A WORD OR TWO FROM AKC PRESIDENT AND CEO GINA DINARDO
The work of the American Kennel Club reaches far beyond any one program, event, or area of focus. Every day, that work can be seen in the opportunities we create for people and their dogs, the partnerships we build to address important needs, and our continued investment in the well-being of dogs. This month, I am pleased to share several updates that demonstrate that breadth of work, from celebrating our newest AKC Agility League champions to advancing the future of American-bred detection dogs, and recognizing those who are passionate about advocating for responsible dog ownership.
AKC AGILITY LEAGUE
Congratulations to the champions of the AKC Agility League’s 13th season and to every team that competed this summer. With participants representing 37 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, the League continues to expand the reach of Agility and provide a fun, team-based way for dogs and handlers to participate in the sport.
The AKC Agility League offers three 12-week seasons each year, with teams of three to eight dogs competing across field-size divisions and skill levels ranging from Pre-Novice to International. Team champions were crowned in each of the League’s ten divisions this summer, reflecting an impressive range of experience, skill, and teamwork.
I also want to recognize ISU Cyclone Warning, winners of the Limited Senior division, whose participation represents a particularly unique use of the League. The team is part of a program at Iowa State University where students learn about dog training and behavior while working with rescue dogs. Next season, the program plans to field an all-student team, an exciting example of how dog sports can provide valuable opportunities for education, hands-on experience, and a new generation of participants.
Congratulations to all of our summer champions, their teammates, and everyone who made the 13th season a success. Enrollment for the fall season is now underway, with competition beginning September 14, 2026. I look forward to another great season of AKC Agility League competition.
AKC NATIONAL DETECTION DOG CONFERENCE
The AKC National Detection Dog Task Force is working to address a critical need in our country: the shortage of US-bred dogs suitable for public safety and explosives detection work.
That mission was at the center of the 2026 AKC National Detection Dog Conference, UNLEASHING POTENTIAL: Building America’s Canine Defense, One Puppy at a Time, held August 4-6, 2026 in Durham, North Carolina. The conference brought together leaders from government, law enforcement, academia, and the detection dog industry, as well as breeders, to share expertise and identify ways to strengthen the domestic pipeline of dogs capable of performing this important work.
Detection dogs play an essential role in protecting the public and remain one of our most reliable resources for identifying explosive threats. Developing a strong domestic breeding and training pipeline is therefore not simply a canine issue. It is an important public safety priority.
This year’s conference featured an impressive roster of speakers, along with real-world puppy evaluations designed to help determine which dogs demonstrate the traits and abilities needed to pursue careers in explosives detection. U.S. Capitol Police K9s and their handlers also participated, representing the AKC Patriotic Puppy Program and providing attendees with another firsthand look at the important work these dogs perform.
The conference is an important part of AKC’s broader effort to bring the right people and expertise to the table to help strengthen the future of detection dogs in the United States.
To learn more about the AKC National Detection Dog Task Force and its work, please visit the AKC website.
THE AKC HUMANE FUND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
I would like to take a moment to congratulate this year’s recipients of the AKC Humane Fund’s John D. Spurling Scholarship. This scholarship celebrates the special human-canine bond and helps promote responsible dog ownership. The scholarship is named in honor of Sir John D. Spurling, founder of PetPartners, Inc., which provided comprehensive and affordable pet health insurance to pet owners throughout the United States.
Each year, five incredible full-time students are honored with this award for their dedication to advance responsible pet ownership. A total of $2,500 is given to each of these passionate individuals, payable as tuition assistance to accredited institutions in which each student is enrolled in courses of study focusing on the care of pets.
The 2025 recipients are: Kayleana Green - Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Science; Montana Hoops - Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine; McKenna Merle - Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine; Kylie Patten - Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine; Adelynn Woodard - Oklahoma State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.
We are so proud of these five winners who give us so much hope for the future of pet care and animal welfare. We cannot wait to see all the meaningful ways they will shape the lives of animals and the people who love them. Congratulations again to all the recipients, and we wish them luck in their endeavors.
The AKC Humane Fund continues to recognize exceptional individuals and their dedication to the well-being of dogs and the advancement of responsible pet ownership. To learn more about the AKC Humane Fund, the work they do for dogs and the people who love them, and the John D. Spurling scholarship, please visit: https://akchumanefund.org/.
These accomplishments represent very different areas of AKC’s work, but each speaks to the impact that can be made through expertise, commitment, and a clear sense of purpose. Whether we are creating new ways for people to participate in dog sports, helping to strengthen America’s detection dog pipeline, or supporting those passionate about progressing the well-being of dogs, there is important work happening throughout the AKC community.
I am proud of the people and organizations driving these efforts forward and grateful to everyone who continues to support them. There is much more work ahead, and I look forward to seeing the impact these programs will continue to make.