National Owner Handled Series (NOHS)

The AKC National Owner Handled Series (NOHS) was created to offer owner handlers with a platform to compete against other owner handlers while also recognizing and showcasing the high-caliber dogs they are showing. The prizes are decided completely based on the caliber of the entries. The owner-handler’s handling skills are not taken into account.

Owner-handler exhibitors are recognized for their commitment and enthusiasm through the AKC NOHS, which also gives them the chance to compete against one another in the conformation ring.

The Best of Breed judging in each breed ring is followed by the AKC National Owner-Handled Series. The competition is open to canines that finished in the top 10 of their breed during the qualifying phase. The AKC National Owner-Handled Series Points Ranking page lists the top dogs.

Rankings of the dogs competing in the Series are created based on the Best of Breed, Best in Group, and Best in Show finishes at this particular Series competition. In conjunction with the AKC show in December, the annual competition for the AKC National Owner-Handled Series takes place.

The competition is open to canines who finished in the top ten for their breed during the qualifying period. This competition excludes dogs that are displayed by professional handlers on the competition day. On the competition day, dogs displayed by current helpers and household members of a professional handler are ineligible to compete. NOHS is open to current assistants who meet the age and amateur status standards to compete in Junior Showmanship.