— Top Dogs in Each Breed Invited to Compete —

New York, NY — The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce a new event sponsored by The Iams Company – the AKC Agility Invitational – which will be open to dogs that attained the highest number of points in the Master Agility Champion title (MACH). The top-ranked American agility dogs in each of the AKC's 153 registered breeds will be invited to attend this prestigious event along with top international dogs.

The first event will be held December 2-3, 2006 in Long Beach , CA , in conjunction with the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. The AKC National Agility Championship, which is currently held in conjunction with the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, will be moved in 2007 to an independent location. The date and location will be announced at a future date.

“I am proud to announce another wonderful addition to the AKC agility program,” said Sharon Anderson, AKC Agility Director. “The new event will showcase all AKC breeds and agility enthusiasts will have another exciting and prestigious event in which to compete during the year.”