The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 AKC Trick Dog Competition. The overall winners were Paula Jarabin and her All-American dog, “Rosie,” from Santa Barbara, CA. In their routine, “The Honky Tonk Café Talent Show,” Rosie demonstrated the tricks needed to win a talent show.
The 5th annual event was open to Elite Performers, AKC’s highest level of trick dogs. Juniors were also permitted to enter at any level as long as their dogs had a Trick Dog title. The AKC Trick Dog competition has continued to grow steadily, with this year having more than 200 competitors and 68 breeds from 40 states and Canada that were judged by three judges.
“The 2023 winning performances were such a delight to watch,” said Mary Burch, AKC Family Dog Director. “Rosie’s routine included advanced tricks with her handler at a distance. Rosie’s eagerness to work demonstrates the exceptional bond that can result from training. AKC is so proud of the AKC Elite Performer Trick Dogs and their dedicated, skilled handlers.”
The two finalists in the competition were Elizabeth Berthold and her Russell Terrier, Cricket, from East Patchogue, NY, and April Paulman and her Bulldog, Mindy, from Shelbyville, IN.
See the winning dog and finalists’ videos below.
Winner “Rosie” handled by Paula Jarabin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5Mkbmr6T8M
Finalist “Cricket” handled by Elizabeth Berthold
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7KLdnF-qTM
Finalist “Mindy” handled by April Paulman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9Sxyz4SHVo
To learn more about teaching your dog to do tricks, see: