Showing A Dog Under Its Breeder? – The AKC Rule Change

There’s always an uproar at the World Show. One of the “scandals” this year was a dog winning BOB under a judge who was also its breeder. Fortunately, AKC would never allow that—right?

There’s always an uproar at the World Show. One of the “scandals” this year was a dog winning BOB under a judge who was also its breeder. Fortunately, AKC would never allow that—right?

The AKC Museum of the Dog has unveiled the winners of its Dog Days of Summer Members Art Competition, a juried exhibition celebrating artistic talent and the enduring inspiration of dogs. Following an impressive collection of submissions and thoughtful deliberation by the judges, the winning works are now on display. From sculptures to oil paintings, […]

There was a time when the conversation always began with type. When breeders spoke, they spoke of heads and boning, of expression and balance, of silhouettes that told a story long before the animal ever took a step. We discussed virtues, forgave faults, and measured excellence against the standard, not against popularity. But somewhere along the way, the conversation shifted. The dialogue quieted. And in its place rose something far louder, far emptier: hype.

Thank you to those who have taken the time to share their concerns and comments regarding the Unattended Dogs in Vehicles Policy adopted by the Board at its July 2026 meeting. We appreciate the thoughtful feedback and recognize that exhibitors, breeders, handlers, and judges have a strong interest in ensuring that policies affecting the care and welfare […]

“Join now! It’s easy to apply!” That’s on the Golden Retriever Club of America website, and I can practically see a Golden Retriever wagging its tail and inviting me in for a cup of coffee as a new member.

Why did the AKC adopt this new policy? Following several recent incidents involving dogs left unattended in vehicles, including situations that resulted in serious injury and death, the AKC Board of Directors determined that stronger safeguards were necessary to help prevent future tragedies and reinforce the shared responsibility of exhibitors, handlers, and owners to protect […]

At its July 2026 meeting, the AKC Board of Directors approved a new policy and related disciplinary changes to strengthen protections for dogs at AKC events. The health, safety, and wellbeing of dogs are at the heart of everything AKC does. In recent months, several incidents involving dogs left unattended in vehicles have resulted in […]

The dog show community mourns the passing of respected AKC All-Breed Judge James E. Frederiksen, whose lifelong dedication to purebred dogs left an enduring mark on the sport. Jim and his longtime partner, James E. Noe, became involved in the sport of purebred dogs in 1963. Together they bred and exhibited Collies under the renowned […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is proud to announce the creation of the AKC National Champion (ANC) title, a new prefix title that will be awarded to the dog earning Best in Show at the annual AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The AKC National Championship is the largest dog show in North America […]

If you are not winning your class as often as you would like, you can. To win more in Junior Showmanship, you should focus on skill development, plan and conduct consistent and engaging practices with your ring partner, and develop a competitive mindset that allows you to prioritize your effort and personal growth in the sport over just winning. Also, if you practice good sportsmanship and take ownership of your successes and failures, the wins will come to you.