AKC Presents Salutes the Troops at Fort Stewart

AKC Presents Salutes the Troops at Fort Stewart

The American Kennel Club (AKC®)—the world’s largest purebred dog registry and a leading advocate for all dogs—is proud to collaborate with the U.S. Army to present AKC Salutes the Troops, a high-energy, family-friendly, dog-sport-filled weekend at Fort Stewart in Hinesville, GA, and Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, GA from May 1–4, 2025.

This special event is more than a celebration of incredible canine athleticism—it’s a tribute to the Army’s 250th anniversary and the brave men, women, and dogs who serve and protect our nation, both at home and around the world.

“It’s a tremendous honor for the AKC to join with the U.S. Army in commemorating its 250th anniversary. AKC Salutes the Troops is a dynamic tribute that combines the excitement of dog sports with heartfelt recognition of our nation’s military heroes,” said Gina M. DiNardo, President and CEO of AKC. “This special event celebrates the unwavering dedication, resilience, and extraordinary partnership between service members, their families, and the courageous working dogs who serve beside them. We are proud to stand together in honoring the unbreakable bond between humans and their canine companions on this meaningful occasion.”

Created for the Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield communities, these free events offer service members and their families a memorable weekend of fun, entertainment, and patriotic pride—right on base. Events include:

• AKC Fastest Dogs USA (May 1/10:00 A.M.): Watch dogs tear down the 100-yard dash in a race to crown the fastest pup in the country.
• AKC Agility Premier Cup (May 2/2:00 P.M.): See the nation’s top agility teams take on complex obstacle courses with mind-blowing speed and precision.
• AKC Diving Dogs Challenge (May 4/10:00 A.M.): Get ready for a splash! Dogs will soar through the air, diving for distance and height in this fan-favorite event at Hunter Army Airfield.

All three events will be filmed by ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports, for broadcast. These events are a highlight of the “AKC on ESPN” dog sports series, offering fans an up-close look at the incredible talent of top canine athletes.

The first of the events, AKC Fastest Dogs USA will air on ESPN2 on Flag Day, June 14, 2025.