Fall’s Fanatic Sports Fans
Our dog world is full of fanatic sports fans! Who doesn’t know about Dr. Charlie and Lynn Garvin’s Ohio State Buckeyes, Dr. Carmen Battaglia’s Florida State Seminoles, David Frei’s Oregon Ducks, Ann Wallin’s (and my own) Georgia Bulldogs? You get the picture! We thrive on athletic competition.
If we should need to pick a Captain of the Cheerleaders for American Kennel Club (AKC) events, I would suggest that AKC Board Member Christopher L. Sweetwood might well be one of the squad carrying a megaphone! When Chris starts talking, his enthusiasm compares to that of the 81,500 football fans at Nancy Reid’s Clemson Tiger’s Death Valley Stadium.
Dog fancier fans may well become fanatical about some of the athletic activities our AKC offers. Chris and I call it: AKC: DID YOU KNOW?


AKC: Did You Know?
Did you know that the American Kennel Club has added many sports and events over the past few years that will help you and your dog live a happier and healthier life? Studies have shown that a dog and owner live longer with constant mental engagement as well as simple daily exercise. What follows is a list of the sports and events that you may be able to participate in—and earn a new title along the way:
- Conformation
- Field Trials for Pointing breeds, Spaniels, Retrievers, Beagles, Basset Hounds, and Dachshunds
- Hunting Tests for Pointing Breeds, Retrievers, Spaniels, and Beagles
- Herding Tests
- Earthdog
- Lure Coursing
- Coonhounds
- Rally
- Obedience
- Tracking
- Agility
- ACT Agility
- CGC (Canine Good Citizen), which includes AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, CGCU, and CGCA
- Trick Dog
- Coursing Ability Test
- Fast CAT
- Scent Work
- Farm Dog Certified
- AKC Temperament Test (ATT)
- Fit Dog Program
- Family Dog Fetch Program
- Barn Hunt
- Dock Diving
- Flyball
- Disc Dog
Some of these events (Rally, ACT Agility, and Trick Dog) can be done virtually. Simply grab your smartphone and take a video after viewing the AKC website to determine what it needs to include. No messy paperwork here. Just use the Title Application Portal (TAP). Many of the title certificates can be done online with TAP. Simply fill out the online application, download the form signed by the evaluator or judge, and check out. Save time, stamps, and paper. The title certificate arrives much quicker.
Take a few minutes and head over to: AKC.org and see what’s new!



