A WORD OR TWO FROM AKC PRESIDENT AND CEO GINA DINARDO
SPORTS & EVENTS
Every day, the American Kennel Club works to strengthen the sport of dogs by creating opportunities for competition, education, and collaboration—both here at home and around the world. Whether through new international partnerships, premier championships, or expanded ways for enthusiasts to experience our events, we remain committed to ensuring that the sport continues to grow for generations to come. This month, I am pleased to share several exciting updates that reflect that commitment.
STRENGTHENING OUR GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
One of the most exciting ways we continue to grow the sport is by strengthening relationships with kennel clubs around the world. I am pleased to share that the American Kennel Club has entered into a new mutual cooperation agreement with Dogs Australia, the country’s national purebred dog registry and governing body for dog sports.
This agreement reflects our shared commitment to preserving and promoting purebred dogs, encouraging responsible breeding and ownership, advancing education, and creating meaningful opportunities for breeders, exhibitors, judges, event officials, and dog owners in both countries. Through this partnership, our organizations will collaborate to share knowledge, support educational initiatives, and strengthen international participation in the sport.
As we continue to build relationships across the globe, partnerships like this help ensure that the future of purebred dogs and the sport we all cherish remains strong for generations to come.
FCM UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP AKC INTERNATIONAL DOG SHOWS
Building on that spirit of international collaboration, entries are now open for the FCM Universal Championship AKC International Dog Shows, hosted in partnership with the Federación Canófila Mexicana (FCM), the official kennel club of Mexico. This AKC-licensed event will take place November 12–15, 2026 at the Santa Fe Expo Center in Mexico City, bringing together breeders, exhibitors, junior handlers, and dog enthusiasts from around the world for four days of AKC-licensed Conformation competition.
This competition reflects the continued growth of the AKC’s global partnerships while providing exhibitors with an exceptional opportunity to showcase their dogs on an international stage. Throughout the event, exhibitors will have the opportunity to earn exclusive FCM titles each day of competition, with discounted AKC registration available for eligible foreign dogs.
Whether attending in person or watching from home, dog enthusiasts around the world can experience the excitement live on AKC.tv.
To view the premium list and learn more about entering, visit: https://www.akc.org/press-releases/entries-now-open-for-american-kennel-club-and-federacion-canofila-mexicanas-fcm-universal-dog-show/
AKC NATIONAL OBEDIENCE CHAMPIONSHIP & AKC RALLY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
While we continue to expand opportunities internationally, we are equally proud to celebrate excellence here at home. My heartfelt congratulations go to every competitor who participated in this year’s National Obedience Championship and Rally National Championship. More than 800 dogs from across the United States competed July 16–19, 2026 at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio, demonstrating extraordinary teamwork, precision, and dedication.
These invitation-only championships represent the highest level of achievement in their respective sports. Whether executing the precise routines required in Obedience or navigating the fast-paced challenges of Rally, every competitor showcased the remarkable partnership that exists between a dog and its handler.
Congratulations to our 2026 champions:
National Obedience Champion: OTCH3 Surefire Up To Speed UDX2 OM4 MH (“Swift”), a Golden Retriever handled by Mara Wacker of Hastings, Minnesota.
Rally National Champion: OTCH RACH Clever K9’s She’s My Kind Of Rain UDX4 OM6 BN RM4 RAE3 OA OAJ XF (“Rain”), a Border Collie handled by Ann Marie Scripko of Sumterville, Florida.
On behalf of everyone at the AKC, congratulations to these outstanding teams and to every exhibitor who earned the opportunity to compete at these prestigious championships.
To view the complete list of winners, visit: https://www.akc.org/press-releases/american-kennel-club-crowns-new-national-champions-in-obedience-and-rally/
AKC NATIONAL CHAMPION (ANC) TITLE
Lastly, I am pleased to share another exciting milestone for the sport. This year, the AKC will introduce the AKC National Champion (ANC) title, a new prefix title that will be awarded to the dog earning Best in Show at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin.
As the largest dog show in North America and one of the premier canine events in the world, the AKC National Championship represents the pinnacle of achievement in Conformation competition. The ANC designation formally recognizes this extraordinary accomplishment and will be permanently recorded as a prefix on each winning dog’s official AKC record.
The inaugural ANC title will be awarded to the 2026 Best in Show winner and will also be applied retroactively to every previous Best in Show winner of the AKC National Championship. Commemorative title certificates will be issued to recognize this distinguished achievement.
The 2026 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin will take place December 12–13, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, welcoming thousands of exceptional dogs from across the United States and around the world.
EXPERIENCE AKC ANYTIME ON YOUTUBE
Whether you are preparing for your next competition, researching a breed, or simply enjoy watching remarkable dogs perform, the AKC YouTube Channel offers something for everyone. From expert training demonstrations and breed education to highlights from Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Diving Dogs, and many other AKC sports, our growing library of content brings the excitement of the AKC directly to viewers around the globe.
Through AKC.tv and the AKC YouTube Channel, we are making our sports more accessible than ever before, connecting new audiences with our events, celebrating the extraordinary partnership between dogs and their handlers, and inspiring the next generation of participants.
Thank you for your continued passion and support of AKC Sports and Events. Whether you are a breeder, exhibitor, competitor, judge, club volunteer, or enthusiastic spectator, your commitment is what makes this community so remarkable. Together, we will continue to strengthen the sport, welcome new participants, and celebrate the incredible dogs that bring us together. I look forward to sharing more exciting news with you next month.