The AKC works with non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog program and the AKC Search & Rescue program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American Flyball Association (NAFA); and UpDog Challenge disc organization. For information on how to apply, go to: AKC Title Recognition Program. Read on to meet All-American Dogs who are recent achievers in these sports.
AKC Therapy Dog Title
The AKC Therapy Dog Title program offers titles based on the amount of service that a therapy team has volunteered, giving more dogs the opportunity to earn the honor. Dogs also must be certified by an AKC-recognized therapy dog organization. The titles are:
- 600 visits to earn the AKC Therapy Dog Supreme (THDS) title.
- 400 visits to earn the AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished (THDD) title.
- 200 visits to earn the AKC Therapy Dog Excellent (THDX) title.
- 100 visits to earn the AKC Therapy Dog Advanced (THDA) title.
- 50 visits to earn the AKC Therapy Dog (THD) title.
- 10 visits to earn the AKC Therapy Dog Novice (THDN) title.
Congratulations to the All American Dogs who have earned the Therapy Dog Supreme title, having made 600 visits:
Maxi Max THDS CGCA TKN owned by Doris Ann Vogt of Scotia, NY
In March 2016, the Vogts received a call to adopt a Yorkshire Terrier sight unseen. The only information provided was that his owner was unable to care for him.
Maxi Max wasn’t housetrained, had never walked on a leash, nor been allowed outside – he was kept confined. “Training a dog who was so afraid of the outside world would require hours of socialization, love and patience,” Doris said. “Having adopted other Yorkies, we accepted the challenge and brought him home.”
At this same time, a family member was hospitalized and moved to a rehabilitation center. Seeing patients’ reactions to therapy dogs and the dogs’ advanced social and training skills, the Vogts asked questions about how they could transform Maxi Max into a therapy dog. They were referred to the Animal Protective Foundation, where the trainer and family patiently tried eight different collars and harnesses, finally coaxing Maxi Max to walk on a leash. “What a transformation!” Doris said.
“Maxi Max completed the requirements of Therapy Dogs International in February 2017 and has been visiting ever since. In April 2020 he made his 500th visit qualifying him for TDI’s highest title of TDIG (Therapy Dog International Gold). When the new AKC title came out, we submitted in December 2022 for AKC’s title THDS. Then in January 2023 Maxi Max earned TDI’s title TWT (Tail Wagging Tutor) as he loves having students read to him!”
“Maxi Max is a 7-pound full-time working Yorkie who visits five to six days a week, two facilities each day! He gets so excited when asked ‘want to go make people happy?’ that he starts doing circles and sits to get his gear on,” Doris said.
Syros Palmer Hammett THDS CGC owned by Beverly Hammett of Starkville, MS
Syros is a 3-year-old service dog for the blind, trained in Sylmar, CA. When Beverly lost her other two service dogs, she was devastated. “These dogs give us our freedom, safety, independence, and sense of well-being,” she said. “Syros was raised by a family with triplets, and he absolutely loves babies and children. He is sweet, kind, and gentle.
“I need him as my team member just like he needs me. We communicate non-verbally and do very well. Syros is being trained in sign language and German, and we work with students who are blind and hearing impaired. This platform lets others see the value of the dogs to the disabled, along with educating the community. I started many years ago with pet therapy for others and saw the benefits: dogs have the capacity to anticipate situations, calm situations, improve moods, and help with physical health. They are healers of the mind, body, and soul.”
Paws For Friendship Inc. conducted their therapy dog evaluations at the Mississippi State University campus. “It was a great day,” Beverly said. They earned the Therapy Dog Supreme title on Jan. 12, 2023.
Gouda De Atlawor THDS CGC owned by Beverly Hammett of Starkville, MS
Gouda Anne is a 12-year-old Belgian Malinois, a former police K-9 whose police handler had died.
“People who work with these dogs have to know their personality, breed, motivation, and most importantly know how to interact and socialize them. Rescues come with their issues but if you bond, love them, and they feel safe with you, they will go to the moon and back for you. Gouda came to me after my first two dual certified service/therapy dogs passed away. I am blind, and my dogs and I do community service, along with educating the public about these dogs and what they do,” Beverly said.
“I became interested in therapy dog programs many years ago, when I was in the healthcare field, and we needed new programs to improve the overall well-being of the patients and residents. My dogs and I have been in pet therapy for over 12 years, and we love it.”
On Jan. 12, 2023, Gouda earned her THDS at Mississippi State University. “We worked most of the day visiting and completing tasks and showing our skills,” Beverly said.
Congratulations also to these dogs who have earned the THDS title:
- Chases Journey THDS CGC owned by Carrie Pyne of Cocoa, FL
- Saoirse THDS CGC owned by Jeri Ellen Anker of Bay City, MI
- Verdigi’s Griffin THDS CGC owned by Carol Verdigi of West Palm Beach, FL
Barn Hunt Association
The BHA enables all dogs to participate in the sport of hunting for vermin. Dogs track rats safely enclosed in sturdy tubes that are hidden among hay bales. The titles range from Novice level to Champion to Champion Excellent, and since March, Crazy 8s. Go to www.barnhunt.com for more information.
Congratulations to All-American Dogs who recently received recognition of their BHA titles:
RATCH
Kayjay’s Ellie Bug RATCH CGC TKI owned by Kimberly J Innes of Spring Hill, FL
Two-year-old Ellie is an Australian Cattle Dog mix. A friend of Kimberly’s found her through a rescue group in Texas when she was 8 weeks old, flew to Texas to get her and bring her home to Kimberly in Florida.
Kimberly’s interest in Barn Hunt began with handling a friend’s Australian Cattle Dog named Mick. “I have known Mick since he was a puppy and had a great time training him all the way from his very first Instinct class to his RATCH title,” she said. “We learned a lot together. And many years ago, I competed in obedience and got Companion Dog (CD) titles on three of my previous dogs.”
Ellie earned the RATCH on Nov. 19, 2022, in Morriston, FL. She earned the RATCHX on March 10, 2023.
“Ellie comes to work with me every day. She loves everybody! She enjoys exploring at the Nature Gardens in town. She also loves visiting her best friend, a Dachshund named Toby. And like most heelers she is a ball addict… especially tennis balls!”
Scott Street Sentinel CA FCAT3 RATCH CGC owned by Elizabeth & Peter Groehler of Fond du Lac, WI
The Groehlers adopted the now 5-year-old Howie from the Fox Valley Humane Society in Appleton, WI, in November 2019.
“He was first adopted by a family who returned him to the shelter because they couldn’t care for him, and we adopted him at 6 months old,” Elizabeth said. “We were looking for our first family dog, and as Howie was very food motivated, we thought training would be easy enough.”
Elizabeth has friends who show their dogs in conformation, and she watched agility and dock diving competitions on television while growing up. “When the local kennel club advertised that they were holding a Fast CAT trial, we decided to give it a go,” she said. “A friend was acting as hunt master at that trial, and after I released Howie on his first run, she told me, ‘Congratulations, you have a Fast CAT dog.’ We’ve been competing ever since. The same group of friends suggested that we try Barn Hunt last year, and he immediately took to it, earning his RATCH in 11 months.
“Howie is a great watchdog; he loves lounging on the couch and watching the world go by through the window. He isn’t a great guard dog, though. Howie loves everyone who comes to the house (especially if delivering pizza). He was certified as a therapy dog in March 2020 and spends his time away from competition ‘telling stories’ to people in hospitals, schools, and rehab centers (he is a very vocal dog and likes to ‘talk’ on visits).”
Howie earned the RATCH on Nov. 26, 2022, at Oh Rats! in Sheboygan Falls, WI.
Congratulations also to this dog for earning the RATCH:
- It’s All About The Lincolns Baby OAJ XF RATCH CZ8B TKI owned by Liz Alford of Little Elm, TX
RATCHX2
- Santa’s Little Helper DCAT RATCHX2 CZ8S CGC TKN owned by Leslie & Michael Wilson of Marrero, LA
RATCHX4
- Kipbomb’s Little Miss Violet RM FDC OAP OJP DCAT SWE RATCHX4 CZ8P2 CGCA CGCU TKA ATT owned by Jeanne & Roger Lagesse of Hampton, VA
CZ8B
- Mcdonald’s Preston CD BN RI FDC CAA SWAE SWE THD CZ8B CGCA TKI owned by Joanne McDonald of Lexington, SC
- It’s All About The Lincolns Baby OAJ XF RATCH CZ8B TKI owned by Liz Alford of Little Elm, TX
CZ8P2
- Kipbomb’s Little Miss Violet RM FDC OAP OJP DCAT SWE RATCHX4 CZ8P2 CGCA CGCU TKA ATT owned by Jeanne & Roger Lagesse of Hampton, VA
CZ8S
- Santa’s Little Helper DCAT RATCHX2 CZ8S CGC TKN owned by Leslie & Michael Wilson of Marrero, LA
- Toby Fast Paws RI FDC BCAT ACT1 THDN RATM CZ8S CGCA CGCU TKP FITB owned by Pamela Sisler of Washington, WV
RATM
- Sweet Georgia Brooke RATM TKN owned by Janelle & Ed Bleske of Pewaukee, WI
- PACH Miss Penny Blossom RN MX MXB MXJ MJB MXP3 MXPB MJP3 MJPB PAX XF RATM CGC TKA owned by Elizabeth Erin Alford of Little Elm, TX
- Toby Fast Paws RI FDC BCAT ACT1 THDN RATM CZ8S CGCA CGCU TKP FITB owned by Pamela Sisler of Washington, WV
RATN
- Nala Lucas RA RATN CGC TKN owned by Danielle Lucas of Colorado Springs, CO
- Jaylen RN RATN owned by Danielle Lucas of Colorado Springs, CO
- Sadie Tunstall RATN TKI owned by Harley Rose Tunstall of Oxford, NC
- Karinka’s Reason To Believe RN FDC ACT2 ACT2J RATN CGCA CGCU TKI owned by Sherie Cahill of Dayton, NV
- Shippee’s Debonaire Dixon NAP NJP NFP CA BCAT RATN CGC TKI owned by Casey M Gagnon & Timothy Shippee of Dayville, CT
- Kola Kangaroo BN RN FDC BCAT SCN SIN RATN DJ CGC TKI owned by Michelle Vidlak of Omaha, NE
- Lost Lakes Reagan RATN owned by Lisa McGinn of Lake Elmo, MN
- Release the Rex CAX FCAT3 RATN DNA CGCA CGCU TKI ATT owned by Emily Davis of Smyrna, GA
- Alexis Rose Wilson RATN CGC TKA owned by Betsy & Sylvia Wilson of Plano, TX
- Cosmo The Cloud Angels Ride On RATN CGC TKN owned by Tina Maria Jones of Newport News, VA
- Wee Beastie Fae Gitdoon NA BCAT RATN DS DJ CGC TKN owned by Lisa Nurminen of Mount Pleasant, SC
- Carly Of Winslows Mills RI RATN owned by Louann Thompson of Aiken, SC
RATO
- Holbrook’s Kelsey RI CA BCAT RATO owned by Sandy and Jeff Stewart of Aiken, SC
- Demon Dog Lightning Storm RN RATO CGC TKA owned by Richard & Shelly Rubas of Antioch, IL
- Little Miss Memphis-Belle FDC SWAE SWE SCEE RATO ATT owned by Judy & Tony Artessa of Hamilton, NY
- Stonewall Manor’s Family Business CA FCAT RATO DS TKN owned by Casey Gagnon-Shippee & Timothy Shippee of Dayville, CT
- Lucky Cricket CD PCDX RAE MX MXJ XF T2B RATO CGC TKN owned by Elizabeth Jansen of Albuquerque, NM
RATS
- Kidae’s Chesed Ruach CD BN BCAT RATS CGCA TKP owned by Dae Grodin of Erlanger, KY
- Southmoor’s Trace N The Wind BN RI RATS CGC TKN owned by Pamela J Giles of Des Moines, IA
- Flopdoodle Chloe Bean THDN RATS CGC TKE VHMA owned by Christina & Gary Jones of Stafford, VA
- Cember Ree Jones RATS owned by Tina Jones of Newport News, VA
UpDog Challenge Disc
Disc Dog is an exciting, fast-paced sport that all dogs and people can enjoy. UpDog has taken the basic game of fetch with a flying disc and expanded it into 10 fun games. Dogs of any breed, type, size or shape can play and be successful. If your dog can fetch, your dog can play UpDog. Dogs get points in every game and cumulative points earn UpDog Achievements (called “UPs”). Once you have earned an UP in at least three games, you can apply for the AKC Disc Dog titles.
For more information about UpDog and getting involved in your area, visit UpDog Challenge. There you can learn more about events in your area, UpDog games, and more!
Congratulations to these dogs for earning the Disc Dog Unobtainium Elite (DDUE):
Summer Lightning DDUE owned by Dean Shavit of Skokie, IL
Dean saw Summer’s photo on the Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago website. “She looked a lot like her big brother, who was a rescue from the same shelter,” he said. “He and I competed in agility, at the suggestion of the obedience trainer we worked with at the time. It was only natural that my next dog would do the same. I had always wanted to do disc dog, since I played disc golf and ultimate frisbee in high school.”
Summer was 6 months old when Dean adopted her. She started agility foundation training, but she kept intercepting Dean’s disc throws to her brother. She proved to be a tremendous athlete. They started competing in UpDog Disc Dog in July 2018 and have never stopped.
Summer loves to cuddle and chill out when not competing. She loves people and especially children. She is now 6 years old and earned her DDUE title on Dec. 31, 2022, in Somers, WI.
The Apple Of My Eye Billie Jean DDUE owned by Dean D. Shavit of Skokie, IL
Billie Jean was a stray brought into the municipal shelter in Adams County, WI. Dean saw her photo on Facebook as a courtesy post from a Border Collie rescue and fell in love.
“The shelter vet put her age at around one year old, so we went with that – and that was about all we knew. She showed tremendous drive from day one and within six months was an outstanding disc dog. She also competes in agility. Billie has overcome fear and anxiety by playing dog sports,” Dean said. “As a Border Collie, Billie needs a job – and dog sports are her job, especially disc. This was the plan for her since day one, and she always steps up to the challenge.
“When not competing, Billie is thinking about her next competition, but she also loves belly rubs, being chased around the yard by her pack and dock diving.”
Billie Jean is about 5 years old now, and she earned her DDUE title on Dec. 31, 2022 in Somers, WI.
North American Diving Dogs
NADD offers titles in both distance dock jumping and air retrieve for all dogs. Dogs receive titles based on how far they jump and only compete in the same division with dogs that jump similar distances. For more information go to www.northamericadivingdogs.com.
Dock Master
Scholet’s Fulton DM DS owned by Alicia Scholet of Homosassa, FL
“Fulton has always loved swimming, and because we live in Florida, I looked for something water related to do in the hot summer months with him. When we found dock diving with NADD, we fell in love with it, and we haven’t looked back,” Alicia said. “We practice every week at our local dock diving pool, and we go to every local NADD event that we can. Fulton is already invited to regionals and nationals for the 2023 season. We look forward to it!”
“When Fulton isn’t competing, he is practicing for events, playing on his five-acre ranch with his pack members. He also enjoys exploring the springs in Crystal River and is always by my side.” He will be 9 years old on July 14.
Fulton’s DM title was earned on Oct. 30, 2022, and awarded the next day at the First Chance Qualifier at the 2022 NADD National Championships. He also placed second in the Veteran Senior Division at the event. “It was a great weekend!” Alica said.
Hydeout’s Shamus CAA FCAT2 DM AS HDS owned by Kay McDonald of Inman, SC
Four-year-old Shamus came from Regina, Saskatchewan. Kay had been participating with another dog in dock diving, so she decided to try it with Shamus, and he loved it. He also is ranked the sixth medium-sized All American Dog in FastCAT for 2022.
Shamus is a certified bedbug detection dog, and when not enjoying sports, he works for Bedbug Detection K9s in South Carolina with Kay.
He earned his Dock Masters title on July 25, 2021, at Carolina Dog Training in Stoney Point, NC.
Congratulations also to this dog for earning the DM title:
- Sir Winston Bishop Brew CA DCAT DM CGC TKI owned by Staci & Taelor Brew of Durham, NC
AS
- Hydeout’s Shamus CAA FCAT2 DM AS HDS owned by Kay McDonald of Inman, SC
DJ
- Hammer Time Harlow DJ CGCA TKI FITB owned by Samantha Callejo of Millbury, MA
- Tuco Smith SWN DJ owned by Jean Smith of Arcadia, FL
DJA
- Roy Knowles RA FDC DCAT DJA CGCA CGCU TKP ATT BN-V VHMA VSWE FITS owned by Kelly Knowles of Herndon, VA
- Armstrong’s Lucy CA FCAT4 SWN RATO DJA DN HDJ CGCA CGCU TKN owned by Cassandra Armstrong of Longwood, FL
- LSK’s Beauty Of The Islands NAP NJP CAX2 FCAT2 DJA TKP owned by Amanda Lackey of Hoover, AL
DMA
- Houdini’s Historic Hypernym RATO DMA DSX TKN owned by LINDA GREGG of Minden, LA
- Knapp’s Unleashed Meyhem Aka Riggs CA BCAT DMA DJ owned by Megan Mills of Signal Mountain, TN
- Rocco The Big Bad Brindle CAA FCAT2 DMA CGCA CGCU TKI ATT owned by Emily Davis of Smyrna, GA
- Tucker’s NUPRO Adventures CAX FCAT SCN DMA CGC TKN owned by Janis Gianforte-Horner of Farmingdale, NJ
DN
- Stormy Days Of Hd Poodles DN owned by Dana & Hailey Gurzenda of Hesperia, CA
- Ain’T No Time For A Pit Stop DCAT DN CGC TKI VHMA owned by Maddie Bangs of Byron, MN
DNA
- American Pie DCAT DNA DDB TKI owned by Emily & Chandler Leiby of Mount Holly Springs, PA
- Release the Rex CAX FCAT3 RATN DNA CGCA CGCU TKI ATT owned by Emily Davis of Smyna, GA
DS
- Schooner Richards RI FDC BCAT SWN RATN DS DJ CGCA CGCU TKI ATT VHMA VSWI FITS owned by Danielle Richards of DANIELLE RICHARDS of San Diego, CA
- Through The Brook DS CGC TKI owned by Alexis Vega of Enfield, CT
- Loulu Love Hillary RI FDC DS DJ CGCA CGCU TKP FITS owned by Nora & Dan Hillary of Norco, CA
- RACH Luke Skywalk CD RM4 RAE3 AX AXJ XF DCAT DS DJ CGC TKA VHMA owned by Amanda, Levi, and Jonathan Olson of Otsego, MN
DSA
- Ain’T Your Average Ren’Egade RN SWA RATN DSA DJ TKA VHMA FITB owned by Debora Penton of Killeen, TX
HDJA
- Juno Deems RN DEX2 DMX AS HDJA owned by Pam Deems & Aaron Trunk of Scottsdale, AZ
HDM
- Major Canada DS HDM owned by Caitlyn & Jonathan Canada of Altamonte Springs, FL
HDS
- Hydeout’s Shamus CAA FCAT2 DM AS HDS owned by Kay McDonald of Inman, SC
North American Flyball Association
AKC recognizes three titles of NAFA competitors – the Flyball Dog Champion (FDCh) for 500 points; Flyball Master (FM) for 5,000 points; and the Onyx award for 20,000 points. For more information on NAFA and how to get involved go to www.flyball.org
Congratulations to this All-American Dog for earning the FDCH:
Benjamin Kevin Souksavath DCAT FDCH DS owned by Pamela Souksavath of Knoxville, TN
Pamela adopted Benji from coworker who was fostering him. He was 5 months old at the time. “I asked if I could foster him – ‘Let’s see how it goes?’” Two days later, she decided to keep him. He is now 3 years old.
“I worked at a doggy daycare that held flyball practices. That’s how we got involved with our local club. The daycare is also a training facility so it’s also how we got involved with other sports like rally, dock diving, and agility!”
Benji is a Border Collie mix. “So, he is always on the go when we’re outside,” Pamela said. “He can play fetch for HOURS if I let him. But once we go inside the house, he’s a literal couch potato. It’s like the couch is his charging pad!”
Benji’s FDCH was received at the Rap It Up Flyball Tournament in Hopkinsville, KY, on Nov. 12, 2022.
