AKC National Owner-Handled Series Finals held in conjunction with the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Florida
December 12 & 13, 2026
The AKC National Owner-Handled Series recognizes and showcases the quality dogs being exhibited by owner/handlers and provides a venue for the owner/handlers to compete against their peers. The determination of the awards in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series is based solely on the quality of the entry. The owner/handler’s handling ability is not of consideration.
The end of year competition for the AKC National Owner-Handled Series will be held in conjunction with the AKC National Championship. Dogs that finished ranked in the top ten (plus ties) for their breed for the current qualifying period will be invited to compete in the competition.
Again this year, NOHS breed and group judging will take place over the weekend, with events scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday. The NOHS judging for the Terrier, Working, and Herding groups will be held on Saturday, while the Sporting, Hound, Toy, and Non-Sporting groups will be judged on Sunday. The NOHS breed judging will occur on the opposite day of the regular breed judging at the National Championship to allow for participation in both events. Best in Show for the NOHS Finals will be judged on Sunday evening.
For more information about the National Owner-Handled Series, check out the FAQs.
News & Updates
May 14, 2026
AKC National Owner-Handled Series Judging Panel Released