In celebration of the American Kennel Club’s 125th Anniversary, the ninth annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship becomes a regular AKC conformation event. The AKC will waive the invitational format allowing all exhibitors to enter. In addition the show will offer all regular classes and the potential for dogs to earn an AKC Championship title at this historic show.
To date, we have 125 breeds – one for each year of AKC’s history – which will be holding specialties or supported entries at this event in honor of AKC’s milestone. In addition to the participation medallion for every exhibitor to mark the occasion of the 125th Anniversary, any dog finishing their AKC Championship at the AKC/ Eukanuba National Championship will receive a special rosette acknowledging this accomplishment.
“The extraordinary involvement of AKC breed clubs coupled with the preceding three All-Breed events will enhance the entries throughout the five days of competition with expected majors in almost every breed each day,” said AKC Chairman Ron Menaker. “This will allow the possibility of any dog to obtain an AKC Championship at these events. This will also give breeders’ a chance to see the world’s best representatives in one place and that often provides positive influence on a breed’s future direction.”
The Kennel Club of Beverly Hills, the Los Encinos Kennel Club and the Long Beach Kennel Club will join the AKC/ Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach, California creating four separate events. All four events held during the week of December 9th – 13th will offer all classes (Puppy 6-9, Puppy 9-12, Junior 12-18, Amateur-Owner, Bred-by-Exhibitor, American Bred, Open and Best of Breed) in every breed. Dogs entered at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship who are Breeder/Owner/Handled will also be eligible for the coveted Best Bred-by-Exhibitor Award.
“As a former international competitor, I’m thrilled to see that with each year the excitement builds surrounding our event with more and more exhibitors from abroad joining us,” said Michael Canalizo Director of AKC Event Management. If international exhibitors need assistance with entries or AKC registration, please contact Michael Canalizo at 212-696-8213 or mlc@akc.org. AKC Staff will be on-site to assist with foreign dog registrations.
Entries for these events will open in early September and will be available at: www.akc.org, www.onofrio.com and www.eukanuba.com
The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship will also feature AKC Meet the Breeds® and the Eukanuba World Challenge®. The AKC National Obedience Invitational and AKC Agility Invitational will be held in conjunction with the event.