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Best in Show Awaits! 5,557 Dogs Descend on Orlando for the Ultimate Canine Showdown

  • Writer: Teresa Grosze
    Teresa Grosze
  • Dec 12
  • 4 min read
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The AKC® National Championship presented by Royal Canin is back on December 13 and 14, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.


This year, 5,557 dogs will compete for the title of America's National Champion. That’s a lot of fur, ambition, and excitement packed into two days.


Alongside the main event, 1,602 puppies and juniors are chasing the Puppy/Junior of the Year title in the AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes. Another 1,040 dogs will compete for Best Bred-by-Exhibitor in Show. Add in all the weekend’s activities—the AKC®/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes, the AKC® Agility Invitational presented by YuMOVE, the AKC® Obedience Classic, the AKC® National Owner-Handled Series Finals, the AKC® RACH Invitational, and the Junior events—and this show draws more than 9,162 entries. It stands as the largest dog show in North America.


“As we gather for the 25th AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, I’m inspired by the passion and dedication our exhibitors show for their dogs and for this sport,” said Gina M. DiNardo, AKC President and Show Chair. “Breeders, exhibitors, and judges consistently turn this event into a true celebration of excellence. I hope this milestone year brings unforgettable moments and friendships that last. With the thrill of Agility, Obedience, Rally, NOHS, and Junior competitions, this 25th Championship is shaping up to be spectacular.”


AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BY THE NUMBERS

  • All 202 AKC-recognized breeds are entered to compete

  • 5,557 entries in the AKC National Championship

  • The largest entries include:

    • 149 Golden Retrievers

    • 143 Dachshunds

    • 110 French Bulldogs

    • 106 Chihuahuas

    • 105 Australian Shepherds

    • 100 Labrador Retrievers

    • 82 Whippets

    • 60 Pomeranians

    • 65 Rhodesian Ridgebacks

    • 58 Chinese Cresteds

    • 57 Pugs

  • The owner of the Best in Show winner will receive $50,000.

  • 808 dogs are entered in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals

  • 167 junior handlers, ages 9-17, who have met high academic standards and qualification criteria based on year-round competition, will compete in Junior Showmanship

  • 1,602 puppies (6-12 months) and junior dogs (12-18 months) are entered in the AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes

  • 1,040 Bred-by-Exhibitors in competition

  • The owner of the Best Bred-by-Exhibitor in Show will receive $15,000.


OBEDIENCE CLASSIC, RACH INVITATIONAL AND AGILITY INVITATIONAL BY THE NUMBERS


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VIEWING COVERAGE


AKC.tv will stream live coverage throughout Championship week, kicking off Tuesday, December 9th with the first of three All-Breed dog shows. You can also catch the AKC Obedience Classic, the AKC Agility Invitational, the National Owner-Handled Series finals, the AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes, Best Bred-by-Exhibitor groups, Best in Miscellaneous, Junior Showmanship, and the evening group competitions—all streaming live. Watch online or through the AKC.tv app, available on the Apple Store, Google Play, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.


Looking for more details? Visit us at https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-national-championship/ or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.


ABOUT THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB


Since 1884, the American Kennel Club has grown into the world’s largest registry of purebred dogs. As a not-for-profit, the AKC oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States, working hard to maintain the integrity of its registry and promote responsible breeding for both type and function. With over 5,000 licensed and member clubs and affiliated organizations, the AKC stands up for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health, protects the rights of dog owners, and encourages responsible ownership. Each year, the AKC organizes more than 26,000 competitions for registered purebred and mixed breed dogs—including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, scent work, hunt tests, and field and earthdog tests.


AKC’s affiliated organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite, the AKC Museum of the Dog, and the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank. For more, head to www.akc.org.


AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all related marks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.


Become a fan of the American Kennel Club on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @americankennelclub.


ABOUT ROYAL CANIN USA


ROYAL CANIN® is a global leader in Health Through Nutrition for cats and dogs, and part of the Royal Canin Division within Mars, Incorporated. The company began in 1968, founded by French veterinarian Dr. Jean Cathary, and focuses on designing precise, science-based nutrition for cats and dogs—available at specialty pet retailers and veterinary clinics around the world.


ROYAL CANIN® works closely with pet professionals, including breeders and veterinarians, always pushing the boundaries of nutrition and scientific knowledge. The company’s approach is simple: put the needs of cats and dogs first. Age, lifestyle, size, breed, sensitivities—everything gets studied and considered to create diets that truly fit each pet.


ROYAL CANIN® aims to create value not just for pets, but for people and the planet. This means supporting the environment, empowering employees, building lasting relationships, and always keeping an eye on the future.


Want to learn more? Visit www.royalcanin.com.

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