The Sweet Smell of Success! Winners of the 2nd AKC Scent Work Master National Announced

New York, NY- The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is excited to announce the winners of the AKC Scent Work Master National. The winner has received the prefix “SWNC” and is known as the Scent Work Master National Champion.

Nearly 150 dogs from more than 33 states representing 49 breeds gathered for the second annual national Scent Work event on October 18-21, 2026, at the Chateau on the Lake in Branson, MO. The competition was held in a three-day format. On day 1 and 2 (Preliminary) all dogs each day were tested on all four elements – Container, Buried, Interior and Exterior at the Master level. On day 3 (Final) The top 70 dogs determined by highest combined daily scores advanced to this day and were tested on a combination of elements together in multiple search areas.

“Congratulations to all of the competitors,” said Caroline Murphy, AKC Director of Performance Events. “Watching these dogs at work was nothing short of incredible. We look forward to continuing this exciting competition.”

2026 AKC Scent Work Master National Winners

AKC Scent Work Master National Champion (SWNC)

SWNC SMACH2 RACH Nitro V VCD1 BN RM2 RAE2 RC TDX TDU FDC MXS MJS PJD NAP NJP MFS TQX NFP T2B3 CAA FCAT5 ACT1J ACT2J SWD2 SCNE SIAE SBAE SEAE SCEE SEEE SIEE, a male German Shorthaired Pointer known as “Nitro” owned by Jordan Armstrong

Reserve Master National Champion

Terry's Annie Oakley Texas Darlin, a female Labrador Retriever known as “Oakley” owned by Terry Tremaine

3rd Place

RACH6 Canyon Creek Matrix Unleashed CDX GN GO RM13 RAE12 FDC AXP AJP XFP BCAT SWD SWME SHDME DN CGCA CGCU TKA FTN, a male Australian Shepherd known as “Neo” owned by Yelena Shuey

4th Place

Runamok One for the Road CM BCAT SWD SWME, a male Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog known as “Toby” owned by Lori Graham

For more information about AKC Scent Work, visit https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-scent-work/.

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About the American Kennel Club

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.

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