We are kicking off a new year by highlighting some exciting events and announcements that happened at the end of 2025: from AKC’s National Championship to the recipients of our newly established President Sportsman Award, to the top Juniors by sport. We are honored to have each and every single one of you as part of our community dedicated to the sport and responsible breeding. We cannot wait to see what the year 2026 brings us.
The 25th Annual AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin took place on December 13 and 14, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. This was the largest dog show in North America, with 5,557 dogs entered in Conformation from 50 states and Washington DC, and all around the world. This, combined with competitions in Agility, Obedience, Rally, the National Owner-Handled Series Finals, AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes, and Junior competitions, brought the total entries to 9,162.
This event was also aired as a three-hour special on the ABC television network on December 28, 2025, for anyone who missed the action live. Additionally, coverage of the show and all events on Championship weekend are available at: www.akc.tv.
A special congratulations to the Best in Show winner, GCHP CH Ta Sen Westgate Jingle Juice, a Lhasa Apso known as “JJ,” owned by Susan S. Giles, Cindy Sehnert, and Muriel Wolverton of Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, and bred by Susan S. Giles, Cindy Sehnert, and Ellen Lonigro, and Reserve Best in Show winner, GCHG CH Tamarack Valley View River Of Dreams, a Gordon Setter known as “River,” owned by Dr. Ellen Shanahan and Stacy Threlfall of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and bred by Brian Hubbard, Matthew McGillivray, and JoAnne Van Aller.
The energy and dedication throughout the weekend were unmatched. This milestone event was filled with our exhibitors’ passion for their dogs and for sport.
If you missed any of the exciting events, they are available on demand at: www.akc.tv.
We are extremely proud to announce that Agi Hejja and Julia “Maddie” Powers were presented with the inaugural President’s Sportsman Award at the 25th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday, December 13, 2025. This award honors one Junior and one adult exhibitor who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the principles outlined in the AKC Code of Sportsmanship and Civility. It seeks to recognize those whose conduct consistently reflects integrity, mentorship, and respect within the dog sports community.
A member of the Kuvasz Club of America (KCA) since 1972, Agi has played a central role in preserving the soundness, working heritage, and dignity of the Kuvasz. She has taught countless AKC and FCI judges how to evaluate her breed with historical perspective and functional insight. Many new breeders credit Agi for guiding their first steps and offering reassurance long after their initial questions.
Julia “Maddie” Powers, age 17, is a third-generation Tibetan Spaniel breeder whose lifelong connection to the breed has shaped her Junior career. Maddie is especially proud of her partnership with her Tibetan Spaniel, Zemi, with whom she earned a memorable Best of Breed win at Westminster.
To learn more about the award and this year’s recipients, please visit: https://www.akc.org/press-releases/the-american-kennel-club-announces-recipients-of-the-inaugural-presidents-sportsman-award/.
The AKC is honored to have such dedicated and passionate Juniors participate in AKC Sports. Their drive and determination are what keep these sports thriving. Top Juniors are selected based on a point system that awards participation, successful handling of dogs to qualifying scores, earned legs, and event titles. Congratulations to all the winners and those nominated.
The selected winners were announced in the following categories: Agility, Coursing, Earthdog, Field Trials and Hunt Tests, Herding, Junior Showmanship, Obedience, Rally, Scent Work, Tracking, and Title Recognition Program.
We are very proud of the Top Juniors and all of the Juniors in AKC Sports for 2025. Please visit: https://www.akc.org/press-releases/the-american-kennel-club-announces-the-top-juniors-by-sport/ to view the full list of winners.
I am pleased to announce that the AKC and the Brazilian Kennel Club (Confederação Brasileira de Cinofilia – CBKC), Brazil’s national kennel club and governing body for purebred dogs, have entered into a mutual cooperation agreement. This agreement is designed to strengthen international collaboration in support of purebred dogs, responsible breeding, and canine welfare in both the United States and Brazil. Our shared commitment to education, transparency, and the continued advancement of the sport of dogs allows us to create a framework for collaboration across registration, breeder education, events, health initiatives, and advocacy. We aim to deliver meaningful benefits to breeders, exhibitors, and dog owners in both the United States and Brazil.
Under this agreement, the AKC and CBKC will facilitate the mutual recognition of dog registrations and certified pedigrees. The agreement further encourages cooperation on canine health and welfare initiatives, including the sharing of research, resources, and best practices. We are looking forward to coordinating efforts to promote the value of purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership. To learn more about the agreement, please visit: https://www.akc.org/press-releases/american-kennel-club-and-brazilian-kennel-club-enter-mutual-cooperation-agreement/.
Thank you for all your continued support of the AKC. We are honored to have you by our side while we continue to advocate for the well-being of canines and their owners.
