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If you love watching dog athletes run, jump, and weave through complicated courses, you’ll want to tune in to the AKC Agility Invitational! The top five agility dogs in each breed will be competing in this agility competition as part of the AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin in Orlando, FL. The Invitational will take place at the Orlando County Convention Center on Saturday, December 13, and Sunday, December 14.
The 2025 AKC Agility Invitational will be premiering on ESPN on Christmas Day, December 25. Tune in to your local provider, or on the ESPN app to catch all the action!
How to Watch the AKC Agility Invitational
The 2025 AKC Agility Invitational is one of many events at the AKC National Championship week. Aside from the main event, the crowing of the new Best in Show Champion at the AKC National Championship, competitions like the AKC Agility Invitational, AKC Obedience Classic, the National Owner-Handled Series Finals, junior competitions, and AKC RACH Invitational are also taking place in Orlando.
If you want to see all the action as it’s happening, AKC.tv will also be streaming the events of the weekend.
You can tune in to watch the AKC Agility Invitational on Thursday, December 25 on ESPN or the ESPN app. The Invitational will premiere at 2:30 p.m. ET! Celebrate Christmas Day with agility!
Getting Involved in Agility
If you like what you’re seeing at the AKC Agility Invitational, you can get involved too! Both purebred and mixed-breed dogs can compete in agility, so anyone can get started with their dogs.
No matter their age or skill set, dogs work together closely with their handlers to see who has the fastest run with the least faults on obstacles. If you have a strong bond with your dog, they love to run and are eager-to-please, this could be the perfect sport for you!
Get started in agility basics at home by practicing things like dog agility jumps, weave poles, and more. Courses typically have between 14-20 obstacles, so start small and build your way up. In the sport of agility, your dog is relying on your cues to know where to go. Making sure that you have a good bond and strong teamwork skills will make the sport enjoyable, regardless of you or your dog’s skill level.
The AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin, is the dog world’s biggest event of the year! Learn more about conformation and follow your favorite breeds at dog shows throughout the year. They might be competing for the coveted Best in Show title in December!