Entries are open now until June 12th
The American Kennel Club is launching its first ever AKC Virtual Top Dog Challenge. This virtual conformation competition is open to all AKC recognized breeds including Miscellaneous breeds.
The entry fee to participate is $25 and a portion of every entry will be donated by AKC to Take The Lead, a 501c3 organization dedicated to assisting participants in the dog sport who are suffering from life threatening or terminal illnesses, as well as assisting those affected by natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Entrants can go to AKC.org under the Sports and Events tab to enter and get instructions on how to upload their video. Dogs can be entered in one of two classes, Puppy (6-12 months) or Open Class (12 months and older) in the appropriate breed and sex. Entries are limited to 100 dogs per breed and is on a first come, first serve basis. Champions of record are also eligible and encouraged to enter in the appropriate class. Video submissions for each class will be judged individually and placed 1st -4th . Submissions will be judged by selected dog people with expertise in their respective breeds.
Participants must submit a video that does not exceed 2 minutes in length and must include:
- Dog in stack from the front and side
- Breed appropriate display of the bite/mouth
- View of the dog gaiting (moving) down and back in a straight line
- Dog presented in free stack
- View of dog moving in profile around in a circle
Winners will be announced as follows:
| Breed Winners | Wednesday June 17th |
| Group Winners | Thursday June 18th |
| Best In Show | Friday June 19th |
For more information about the competition, please visit: https://www.akc.org/sports/conformation/akc-virtual-top-dog-challenge