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.
Woofstock Cluster
Contra Costa County Kennel Club
Yolo County Fairgrounds
Woodland, CA
June 5-7, 2026
My friends in Texas are part way through their July trek! This year’s Texas march looks quite different than last year with the Oklahoma cluster being forced to move their dates due to venue issues. This year’s journey began with the Lone Star Cluster in Dallas. Their format was changed to 5 all-breed shows with the specialties and […]
The shortage of judges, too many dog shows and the need for a better system. Click here to watch on Canine Chronicle TV!
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Nicole (“Nicki”) King of Lebanon, Indiana. A respected professional dog handler, Nicki was admired not only for her talent and dedication to the sport, but for her kindness, warmth, and friendship to everyone she met. She will be greatly missed, and her memory will live on in […]
One reads lots of comments about how someone “Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda” done something in the ring–or, to a certain degree, how they “Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda” improved their results. I see exhibitors making “rookie” errors both inside and outside the ring. So, I think this month we will have a little review of some basic show skills to bring into the ring with you.
