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Tickets are on sale now for the 2018 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, which returns to the Orlando Orange County Convention Center’s North/South Building this December 15th and 16th. Each daily event pass includes daytime events, evening group finals and Best in Show (on Sunday). Daytime hours are 8am – 5pm, and doors open to the arena at 4:30pm for the evening group judging. Included in the all-day ticket is general seating for the evening competition which will be on a “first come, first served” basis. Visit www.akc.org to purchase tickets.

The AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin is considered one of the world’s premiere dog events, which showcases more than 5,000 of the top national and international canine athletes. It is the largest dog show in the United States and the only show hosted by the American Kennel Club. The National Championship is held in conjunction with the AKC Agility Invitational, the AKC Obedience Classic, the National Owner-Handled Series finals, AKC Meet the Breeds® and Juniors competition in Conformation, Agility, Obedience and Rally®. In addition to these competitions, there are plenty of fun events going on throughout the day for everyone to enjoy.

  • Meet and play with hundreds of dog breeds at AKC Meet the Breeds®. This interactive, educational showcase helps individuals learn which breeds are best for their lifestyle, straight from the experts themselves.
  • Returning this year is the highly popular North American Diving Dogs (NADD) competition, where canine athletes will show off their extreme water diving skills.
  • See exciting demonstrations throughout the day such as AKC Trick Dog and more!
  • Shop one of the largest collections of specialized vendors at the Doggie Boutique mall and pick up unique gifts for your favorite dog lover or pet just in time for the holidays.
  • Kids can participate in the AKC Patch program where they will have tons of fun and learn about dog shows.
  • Take the family to the Fun Zone presented by pet insurance provider PetPartners, Inc. where kids can take part in all sorts of fun activities.
  • K-12 students in Orange County, Florida can take part in an art contest leading up to the event for a chance to win prizes and have their artwork on display at the AKC National Championship.

For those who can’t be in Orlando in person, extensive daytime and evening event coverage will be offered on AKC.TV. AKC.TV is accessible via the website, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.

Enhanced Schedule of Events

Tuesday – December 11
Space Coast KC of Palm Bay Dog Show
FSS / Miscellaneous Breeds Open Show NADD/AKC Diving Dogs AKC/DJAA Advanced Judges Institute for Hound and Toy Groups

Wednesday – December 12
Brevard Kennel Club Dog Show
FSS / Miscellaneous Breeds Open Show Orlando Dog Training Club Obedience & Rally Trial NADD/AKC Diving Dogs AKC/DJAA Advanced Judges Institute for Hound and Toy Groups
AKC Institute for Aspiring and Newly Approved Judges

Thursday – December 13
Central Florida Kennel Club Dog Show
Orlando Dog Training Club Obedience & Rally Trial NADD/AKC Diving Dogs AKC/DJAA Advanced Judges Institute for Hound and Toy Groups
Judging Junior Showmanship Seminar AKC Canine Health Foundation Canines & Cocktails Reception

Friday – December 14
Specialty Shows/Group Shows
Orlando Dog Training Club Obedience & Rally Trial AKC Juniors Agility Competition AKC National Owner-Handled Series Finals – Breeds & Groups
AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes
NADD/AKC Diving Dogs AKC/DJAA Advanced Judges Institute for Hound and Toy Groups
Judges Education Coordinator Symposium

Saturday – December 15
AKC National Championship Dog Show presented by Royal Canin (Daytime and Evening events)
AKC Agility Invitational
AKC Obedience Classic
AKC Junior Classic – Obedience and Rally
AKC National Owner-Handled Series Finals – Best NOHS in Show (Evening event)
NADD/AKC Diving Dogs
AKC Elite Performer Trick Dog Testing (for entered dogs only)
AKC Meet the Breeds®
“REGALIA” – A Royal Celebration for Those who Champion Purebred Dogs, hosted by Royal Canin

Sunday – December 16
AKC National Championship Dog Show presented by Royal Canin (Daytime and Evening events)
AKC Agility Invitational
AKC Obedience Classic
AKC Junior Classic –Obedience and Rally
NADD/AKC Diving Dogs
AKC Elite Performer Trick Dog Testing (for entered dogs only)
AKC Meet the Breeds®