The Final Five in Orlando

By Amy Fernandez

During its thirteen year history, the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship (AENC) has become the unofficial grand finale of the show year. That significance will be magnified this year with the debut of a new format making it the centerpiece of a week-long canine extravaganza. Dubbed the Final Five at Eukanuba, it’s happening at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center. It rolls out December 10, starting with three days of all breed shows, the Space Coast Kennel Club of Palm Bay, Brevard Kennel Club, and Central Florida Kennel Club, along with Orlando Dog Training Club Obedience events.

But that’s just the beginning explains Michael Canalizo, Director of AKC Event Management. The Final Five will occupy the entire North/South Building of the Orange County Convention Center Complex. He describes this new venue as a state of the art, world-class facility with almost a million square feet of space. Its amenities include covered unloading areas on both sides of the building, ample convenient parking for cars and RV’s, well-lit bathing facilities, and large outdoor grass areas for exercise pens. Two hotels are connected to the Convention Center by covered walkways, and several others have street level access. AENC will remain at this venue for three years, possibly longer. “Having such a generous amount of space makes it possible for us to add class dog competition and additional AKC events for purebred dog enthusiasts” says Canalizo.

On Friday, December 13 plans are for a day of specialties, group shows, and special attractions like the Eukanuba World Challenge pre-judging, Eukanuba Breeder’s Stakes, and the AKC Owner-Handler Series end-of-year competition and an Open Show for the Miscellaneous breeds. Along with the prestigious AENC, it will feature the AKC Agility Invitational and AKC Obedience Classic with their respective Juniors competitions, Best Bred-By-Exhibitor competition, the Eukanuba World Challenge Finals, and AKC Meet the Breeds.

AENC has grown into a hugely popular local event. In large part, that’s due to the overwhelming popularity of AKC Meet the Breeds and the Eukanuba “Celebrate Dog’s” campaign. “AKC Meet the Breeds has been a staple of the AENC for many years,” says Canalizo. “It continues to be a huge draw for the public to get up close and personal with the breeders of over 150 breeds at each event.”

AKC is building on that momentum, and the Final Five will feature a host of new attractions for every sector of the dog community. Breed seminars and AKC Advanced Judges Institutes are scheduled, along with a hands-on introduction to agility’s fun and excitement called ‘My Dog Can Do That’. “People can bring their dogs and work closely with AKC staff skilled in Agility,” Canalizo explains. “It’s attracting a large number of first timers who continue participating in AKC agility.”

That’s just a few of the Final Five events that will educate, entertain, and highlight canine accomplishments. “It’s truly a celebration of all things dogs,” says Canalizo.

Visit http://www.akc.org/invitational/ for updated information.

Eligible Clubs interested in hosting specialties should contact Michael Canalizo at mlc@akc.org or 212-696-8213.

Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=18817

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