The American Kennel Club Announces AKC Fit Dog Titles

funny photo of a dog lying on grass and execrcising

 

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club (AKC), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is proud to announce three new AKC FIT DOG titles that dog owners may earn with their dogs. The AKC FIT DOG titles are open to all dogs.

Now more than ever, fitness is essential for both dogs and people. An estimated 70% of people aged 20 and over are overweight, and nearly 55% of dogs are overweight or obese.

To earn each of the three titles (Bronze, Silver, and Gold), owners will earn points in six categories that include:

  • Completing an AKC FIT DOG 6-weeks course,
  • entering a race that can be walked/run with their dog,
  • documented walks that are done independently or in a group,
  • completing “unique” activities such as swimming or Parkour,
  • earning an AKC title related to fitness such as agility or dock diving,
  • earning an AKC Parent Club title such as Pack Dog or Sledding.

Fitness is important for all dogs and their owners,” said Doug Ljungren, Executive Vice President of Sports and Events. “The purpose of the AKC FIT DOG title is to encourage dog owners to improve both their health and that of their canine companions.

AKC Fit Dog Titles Group photo
Photo credit: American Kennel Club

Dogs must be at least six months old to earn the Bronze level title. Some activities may be done independently (such as walking) and others will be done in the presence of other people, such as community fun runs and AKC Fit Dog courses.

We care about dogs and want them to be healthy and fit,” said Dr. Mary Burch, AKC Family Dog Director, “and working on AKC FIT DOG titles provides structure and organization to an ongoing fitness plan for dogs and their owners.

The Guidelines for Participants and the approved methods of documenting activities can be found here.

Questions can be emailed to FITDOG@akc.org.

Individuals interested may start applying for the titles now.

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  • Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization, which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org. AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.

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