5,500 Dogs to Vie for Best in Show at AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin Pet Age

The AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin has a grand total of 5,557 dogs that will compete for the title of America’s National Champion on December 13 and 14 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Additionally, 1,602 puppies and juniors will vie for Puppy/Junior of the Year in the AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes, and 1,040 dogs will compete for Best Bred-by-Exhibitor in Show. Combined with the other weekend events, including the AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes, the AKC Agility Invitational presented by YuMOVE, the AKC Obedience Classic, the AKC National Owner-Handled Series Finals, the AKC RACH Invitational, and the Junior events, the overall show entry totals top 9,162 entries, remaining the largest dog show in North America.

“As we come together to celebrate the 25^th AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, I’m truly inspired by the passion and dedication our exhibitors have for their dogs and for the sport,” said Gina M. DiNardo, AKC president and show chair. “Our breeders, exhibitors, and judges continue to make this event a true showcase of excellence, and I hope this milestone year brings unforgettable memories and lasting friendships. With our exciting Agility, Obedience, Rally, NOHS, and Junior competitions, this 25^th Championship promises to be spectacular.”

AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BY THE NUMBERS

• All 202 AKC-recognized breeds are entered to compete
• 5,557 entries in the AKC National Championship
• The largest entries include:
  • 149 Golden Retrievers
  • 143 Dachshunds
  • 110 French Bulldogs
  • 106 Chihuahuas
  • 105 Australian Shepherds
  • 100 Labrador Retrievers
  • 82 Whippets
  • 60 Pomeranians
  • 65 Rhodesian Ridgebacks
  • 58 Chinese Cresteds
  • 57 Pugs
• The owner of the Best in Show winner will receive $50,000.
• 808 dogs are entered in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals
• 167 junior handlers, ages 9-17, who have met high academic standards and qualification criteria based on year-round competition, will compete in Junior Showmanship
• 1,602 puppies (6-12 months) and junior dogs (12-18 months) are entered in the AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes
• 1,040 Bred-by-Exhibitors in competition
• The owner of the Best Bred-by-Exhibitor in Show will receive $15,000.

OBEDIENCE CLASSIC, RACH INVITATIONAL AND AGILITY INVITATIONAL BY THE NUMBERS

• 257 dog and handler teams in the two-day AKC Obedience Classic, including 70 breeds from 37 states.
• 24 entries in the AKC Obedience and Rally Junior Showcase, representing 16 breeds from 10 states.
• 132 entries in the AKC RACH Invitational, including 74 breeds from 35 states.
• 718 entries in theAKC Agility Invitational, including 172 from 44 states and Canada.
• 64 entries in the AKC Junior Agility Competition (Friday, Dec. 12^th).

There will be extensive live coverage on AKC.tv throughout the Championship week starting on Tuesday, December 9 with the first of three All-Breed dog shows. Also streamed live on AKC.tv will be the AKC Obedience Classic, the AKC Agility Invitational, the AKC National Owner-Handled Series finals, the AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes, the Best Bred-by-Exhibitor groups, Best in Miscellaneous, Junior Showmanship, and the evening group competitions.

(Great Dane photo courtesy AKC)