Members
The Weekly Brief
The best of SHOWSIGHT editorials, weekly wins, and breeder commentary — delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning.
New York, NY (September 16, 2026) – Entries are now open for the 2026 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, which returns to Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) North/South Concourse this December 12th and 13th. Entries are also open for the AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes, taking place on Friday, December 11th at the OCCC, and the AKC National Owner-Handled Series Finals, which will take place on December 12th and 13th also at the OCCC. The three premium lists and all event updates can be found by visiting the AKC National Championship event page.
Now in its 26th year, the AKC National Championship stands among the world’s premier celebrations of canine excellence. As the largest dog show in the United States and the only conformation event hosted by the American Kennel Club, it brings together exceptional dogs, breeders, handlers and exhibitors from across the country and around the world. At the culmination of the competition, one outstanding dog earns the sport’s highest distinction on this stage: America’s National Champion
The excitement extends well beyond the conformation ring, with Championship Week showcasing the breadth of AKC sports and competition. The week features the AKC Agility Invitational, AKC Obedience Classic, AKC RACH (Rally Champion) Invitational, Junior competitions in Conformation, Agility, Obedience and Rally, as well as the always popular diving dogs special attraction. Leading into the National Championship, the OCCC will also welcome Specialties and Group shows, along with events hosted by the Space Coast Kennel Club of Palm Bay, Brevard Kennel Club and Central Florida Kennel Club, creating a full week of competition featuring outstanding dogs across a wide range of disciplines.
Hotel room blocks are open for those traveling to the event to compete. Visit the AKC National Championship Hotel and Travel page for more information.
Event coverage will be highlighted on AKC.tv® and the AKC YouTube channel. AKC.tv® is available 24/7 on the web.
###
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 4,900 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 28,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, scent work, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests.
Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite, the AKC Museum of the Dog, and the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank. For more information, visit www.akc.org.
AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Become a fan of the American Kennel Club on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @americankennelclub
ROYAL CANIN® is part of the Royal Canin Division in the Mars, Incorporated group, and a global leader in Health Through Nutrition for cats and dogs fulfilling its Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. Founded in 1968 by French veterinarian, Dr. Jean Cathary, ROYAL CANIN® designs precise, science-based nutrition for cats and dogs available at pet specialty retailers and veterinary practices worldwide.
Over the years, ROYAL CANIN® has pushed the limits of nutrition and knowledge in partnership with pet professionals, including breeders and veterinarians. Its unique business approach puts the nutritional requirements of cats and dogs at the heart of innovation. Pet’s age, lifestyle, size, breed, and sensitivities are studied through science and observation to produce diets that meet their specific needs.
ROYAL CANIN® generates value not only for pets, but also for people and the planet. This means being mutually beneficial to the ecosystem, empowering Associates, building enduring relationships with stakeholders, and always thinking about how to ensure a viable future for generations to come.
To learn more about ROYAL CANIN®, visit www.royalcanin.com and follow us on Instagram at @royalcaninus.
Media Contacts:
Brandi Hunter Munden
American Kennel Club
Brandi.Munden@akc.org
Alyssa Harrison
Royal Canin
Alyssa.Dorazio@effem.com
American Kennel Club (AKC)
The AKC has released the judging panel for the 2026 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin in Orlando this December.
