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By Liz O'Connell
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Dog lovers get ready: the 25th annual American Kennel Club National Championship, North America’s largest dog show, takes over Orlando, Florida. Fans will watch as thousands of dogs compete for top honors, including the coveted title of America’s National Champion.
A total of 5,557 dogs will compete at the American Kennel Club (AKC) National Championship presented by Royal Canin on December 13 and 14 for the title of America's National Champion, with the winner walking home with $50,000. This year, all 202 AKC-recognized breeds will be represented at the competition.
The largest groups of dog breeds entered into the competition include 149 golden retrievers, 143 dachshunds, 110 French bulldogs, 106 Chihuahuas, 105 Australian shepherds, 100 Labrador retrievers, 82 whippets, 65 Rhodesian ridgebacks, 60 Pomeranians, 58 Chinese cresteds, and 57 pugs.
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While events began on December 9, the competition for the coveted title starts on Saturday. The sporting, hound, toy, non-sporting breeds and junior showmanship competition will be judged on Saturday, and Sunday's coverage will include all working, terrier, herding, miscellaneous and overall Best in Show.
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Gina M. DiNardo, AKC President and Show Chair, said in a press release: “As we come together to celebrate the 25th 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. 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 25th Championship promises to be spectacular.”
In addition to the national championship, 1,602 puppies and juniors will compete for the Puppy/Junior of the Year in AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes, and 1,040 canines will vie for Best Bred-by-Exhibitor in Show, for which the winner will receive $15,000.
Other competitions include agility, obedience and national owner-handled series finals. The obedience classic will feature 257 dog and handler teams, including 70 breeds from over 37 states.
The overall show will consist of 9,162 doggy competitors, making it the largest of its kind in North America.
Will history be made once again after a new breed took Best In Show at the 2025 National Dog Show on Thanksgiving? Or will there be a repeat breed winner? Last year, a Giant Schnauzer named Monty took home the prize.
Tune in to see these furry acts put their best paws forward. Live coverage will run through the weekend. Catch all the action on AKC.tv online or on the AKC.tv app, which is available on the Apple Store, Google Play, Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV for free.
A special 3-hour national broadcast of the AKC National Championship will air on December 28th on ABC starting at 12 p.m. EST.
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