Each December, as the year winds to a close, Orlando, Florida, takes center stage in the dog show world. The American Kennel Club’s National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, known affectionately as “Royal Canin” or “Orlando,” has quickly grown into one of the premier showcases for purebred dogs in the United States. What began in 2001 as a bold addition to the American show calendar is now a must-attend event for breeders, exhibitors, and dog lovers alike, cementing its place alongside The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the National Dog Show, Crufts, and the World Dog Show as one of the sport’s crown jewels.
The AKC National Championship is a true celebration of purebred dogs. The show regularly draws more than 5,600 entries in Conformation alone, with nearly 9,500 dogs overall when Companion and Performance events are included. Every one of the AKC’s 200-plus recognized breeds and varieties is represented, creating a living encyclopedia of canine diversity under one roof.
For exhibitors, the show offers the chance to compete at the highest level. Breed judging narrows each entry down to the single dog that best represents the written Breed Standard in the opinion of an experienced judge. From there, winners advance to judging in the familiar seven Groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. The grand finale is Best in Show, where one dog is crowned the ultimate champion of the year.
The 2024 winner, “Monty” the Giant Schnauzer, GCHG Hearthmore’s Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB, stood tall among the competition. Expertly handled by Katie Bernadin, with his strong outline, powerful movement, and unmistakable breed type, Monty became the latest in a line of Champion purebreds who have earned their place in dog show history in Orlando.
Prestige alone is enough to draw thousands of exhibitors, but the AKC National Championship ups the ante with one of the richest purses in the sport. The Best in Show winner receives an extraordinary $50,000, the highest prize money of any US dog show. The competition also recognizes the breeders behind the dogs with a $15,000 award for Best Bred-by-Exhibitor in Show. These impressive sums, along with cash awards for Group placements and other wins, reflect the AKC’s and Royal Canin’s commitment to honoring excellence in every facet of the sport.
Unlike many traditional shows, the emphasis here is not only on presentation but on rewarding the dedication of breeders and owners who commit their lives to producing and showcasing healthy, sound, and typey dogs. The financial rewards make this event stand out in a sport that is more often fueled by passion than by purse.
What makes the AKC National Championship unique is its breadth. Beyond Conformation, the weekend plays host to the AKC Agility Invitational and the AKC Obedience Classic, both of which draw top competitors from across the country. Demonstrations in Dock Diving, Rally, Scent Work, and other canine sports round out the program, underscoring the versatility of purebred dogs.
For young exhibitors, the Junior Showmanship competition is a highlight. Here, the next generation of handlers, most in their teens, show off their skills in the ring. Many of today’s professional handlers and breeders got their start as Juniors, making the program a vital link in the sport’s future. In year’s past, there have been extra-curricular Juniors’ activities like pizza parties and a giant clothing “store” (set up within the grooming area) where Juniors can choose an outfit for free, no
“swapping” needed.
The show is also known for its festive atmosphere. Vendor booths, breed booths, and interactive exhibits give spectators a chance to learn about dogs beyond the ring. Families can meet breeds up close, ask questions of breeders, and discover what goes into responsible dog care. For many visitors, the event becomes both entertainment and education.
The Orange County Convention Center in Orlando is the perfect backdrop for this canine extravaganza. Its vast exhibition halls provide the space needed for thousands of dogs, rings, and spectators, while its Florida location makes it an aappealing December destination for exhibitors. Many make the trip an annual tradition, combining competition with a holiday getaway.
While it is suggested that exhibitors reserve grooming space ahead of time, I have never had a problem finding space, even last minute. And, many folks festoon their grooming set-up with holiday décor, from large stuffies and blow-up figures to garlands, tinsel, lights, and more, making strolling around even more fun.
The vendors are numerous in Orlando and range from the standard dog show needs to high-end custom bronze sculptures, gold jewelry, and canine fitness equipment. East Coast Crates (my fave) always has a booth, and there are several clothing vendors one does not typically see (tons of bling). Want a sparkly suit/bait bag/shoes/collar/wet coat/bed/crate mat (I could go on and on)? You will find it there.
Red and white, being the Royal Canin colors, are everywhere, including at the photo op area. There is a perfectly lit red and white platform where folks head to take pictures of their dogs, or just of friends together enjoying the experience.
One of the strengths of the AKC National Championship is its accessibility to a wider audience. While thousands fill the convention center in person, millions more tune in at home. The show is broadcast nationally on ABC, most recently airing as a three-hour special just before New Year’s. Streaming via AKC.tv brings the action to an international audience, allowing fans from around the world to witness the crowning of America’s top dog.
This visibility has elevated the AKC National Championship into a holiday tradition. Just as families gather to watch football and the National Dog Show from Philadelphia on Thanksgiving Day, the Orlando spectacle has become a December fixture that introduces the beauty and purpose of purebred dogs to countless households.
In just over two decades, the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin has transformed from a new idea into a powerhouse on the annual dog show circuit. Its combination of prestige, prize money, and programming ensures its continued influence in the years ahead. For breeders, handlers, and dog lovers, it represents the culmination of hard work and dedication. For spectators, it is a chance to marvel at the diversity and the capabilities of dogs from across the nation.
The AKC National Championship is not just a dog show—it is a celebration of the enduring bond between humans and their dogs, wrapped in pageantry, competition, and tradition.
