If you’re like me, then the idea of going to one of the premier dog sporting events in the U.S. fills you with pure, unbridled joy.
Buying tickets, however, can be complicated and a little frustrating. But not this year! At this year’s AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, one ticket gets you into every event on that day. No worry, no stress; one ticket = one day of dog-filled fun.
What Makes This Year’s Ticket Different?
If you’ve been to any AKC National Championship events before, then you may remember having to buy separate tickets.In the past, there was one ticket for daytime events and a separate ticket for evening arena competition which included group judging, special award ceremonies and on Sunday evening, Best in Show.
This year, your 2017 AKC National Championship ticket gives you access to everything happening on that day. Gone are the days when we had to keep different event tickets safely stowed away until the allotted time. Now, you can focus on the important things: the dogs.
You will still have to make some decisions. The AKC National Championship runs Saturday, Dec. 16 through Sunday, Dec. 17 in Orlando, Fla. There are different events each day, and you will have to buy a separate ticket for each day.
Once you have that ticket in hand, however, you have access to:
- Conformation breed and group judging
- Obedience and agility competitions
- AKC Meet the Breeds
- North America Diving Dogs (NADD)/AKC Diving Dogs
- Kid Fun Zone
- Vendors
Keep in mind that children 12 and younger and all active duty military service members with a valid military ID get in free.
What Do You Need to Know About the 2017 Championship?
First things first. Tickets are on sale now, so make sure you get your tickets, as well as any accommodations you may need during your stay in Orlando. Events run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., so you may also want to do a little research into local dining options. Seating at events is first come, first served, so make sure you arrive early to events to grab seats if standing will be uncomfortable for you.
If you can’t attend both days, then you will also need to know which day will feature your favorite breeds. Sporting, hound, toy, and non-sporting breeds will be judged on Saturday, along with the Junior Showmanship competition. Working, terrier, herding breeds, miscellaneous, and Best in Show will be judged on Sunday.
Also at this year’s show you can see the presentation of the annual AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). One award is presented in each of the following five categories: Uniformed Service K-9, Service, Therapy, Search and Rescue and Exemplary Companion dog. This year’s winners range from a retired show dog that helps children learn to read to a family pet turned narcotics detection K-9. Cheer on these dog and their owners as they are honored for all their hard work and dedication.
Last year, a Puli known as “Preston,” won the coveted Best in Show title, bringing home $50,000 in prize money and triumphing over nearly 5,000 other dogs. Don’t miss a chance to catch the action this year in person and cheer on your favorite breeds.