A Special Report From AKC Chairman Ron Menaker: AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin – Bigger and Better Than Ever
As time marches into autumn, the new season signals the thrilling culmination of another wonderful year in the sport of dogs. We mark the occasion with an event like no other: The AKC National Championship. Now in its 16th year, our National Championship show will be held this December 17th and 18th in Orlando, Florida, with a new sponsor, Royal Canin. Founded in 1968 by a veterinarian, the science-based brand offers a range of diets designed for size, age, breed and lifestyle requirements. Royal Canin’s commitment to breed-specific nutrition and health falls notably in line with our mission to “advance the study, breeding, exhibiting, running, and maintenance of purebred dogs.” We are tremendously grateful to Royal Canin for their support, and we are delighted to be working with their experienced and dedicated team to make the 16th AKC National Championship our best event ever.
The AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin hosts over 5,000 of the top national and international dogs competing to take home the biggest prizes, as well as an exciting mix of competitions that make this show the most diverse and crowd-pleasing event of the year:
- Best Bred-by-Exhibitor Competition
- AKC National Owner-Handled Series Finals
- AKC Agility Invitational
- AKC Obedience Classic
- AKC Breeder of the Year Awards
- North American Diving Dogs
- Juniors competitions in each sport
- AKC Meet The Breeds®
These competitions and events, offered with both competitors and the public in mind, are a testament to the fact that the National Championship truly has something for everyone who loves dogs.
Prizes for all of our winners remain generous, including $50,000 for Best in Show, $15,000 for Best Bred- by Exhibitor in Show, $1000 for all Group I and Bred-by Exhibitor Group 1 Winners, and more. Best in Show and Group winners will enjoy the additional prize of a year’s supply of dog food. This year, I am proud to say the Best Junior competition will include over $5,000 in scholarships provided by the American Kennel Club. Honoring the next generation is one of the best ways we can uphold the legacy of our sport.
For all of the details about the National Championship, and to place your entries, please consult the premium list, which will be posted on akc.org on Wednesday, September 28th.
There are several wonderful enhancements coming to the show as a result of our new relationship with Royal Canin.
- Televised Broadcast: I am delighted to announce that the AKC National Championship will be returning to television. Royal Canin will air a three-hour broadcast on the Hallmark Channel in January. This televised event will include coverage of the conformation dog show as well as highlights of the other events taking place throughout the weekend. Exact date and times are to be announced in the near future.
- Live Stream: For those who can’t be with us in Orlando, our show will stream live on akc.org starting at 6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday evenings. Last year, we had over 6 million streams across two days, and this year we anticipate an even wider audience. Fans will also be able to tune in for live airings of the Saturday and Sunday evening competitions on Fido TV.
- New Venue Design: The 2016 show will move to the West Building of Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center. At approximately a million square feet, we are expanding to accommodate the ever-growing interest in our show, allowing for more exhibitor, grooming and vendor space. With our new partnership, our show gains a new name and logo. Attendees will notice a change to the venue décor which will now feature Royal Canin’s signature red color with gold accents in and around all of the show rings and the brand’s iconic black-and-white breed imagery throughout the venue.
- Regalia: A Royal Celebration for Those Who Champion Purebred Dogs. New this year will be a celebration and awards ceremony hosted by Royal Canin specifically for breeders and those who champion purebred dogs. “Regalia” will take place on Friday, December 16th, 2016, and will feature live music, cocktails and a fundraiser to benefit the AKC Humane Fund. The event will also include the crowning of the 2016 AKC Breeder of the Year and special recognition of the AKC Humane Fund ACE Award Recipients. The week presents many more opportunities to support great causes, with the fun-filled Michael Sauve Memorial Benefit for the AKC Humane Fund on Wednesday, December 14th, and the AKC Canine Health Foundation’s “Canines and Cocktails” event on Thursday, December 15th. I encourage everyone to participate, celebrate and be part of the great work that we do for dogs.
- Canine Breeder Excellence Seminar: Hosted by AKC, Royal Canin and the Theriogenology Foundation, this complimentary seminar on Friday, December 15th offers breeders a chance to expand their knowledge on reproductive nutrition, neonatology, genetic testing and other topics.
- Royal Canin to Sponsor AKC National Junior Showmanship Champion: Royal Canin will award the winner of the AKC National Junior Showmanship Championship with a trip to compete in the International Junior Showmanship Competition at Crufts in the UK.
- Best in Show Trophy: A new Best in Show trophy will debut at the 2016 National Championship presented by Royal Canin. The trophy is the work of Society Designs, the designer for one of Hollywood’s leading award shows.
Ron Menaker
Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=113186
Posted by chesliepickett
on Sep 27 2016. Filed under Breaking News, Featured.
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