Honoring The Next Generation: The American Kennel Club Announces Theodore “Joshua” Moore As Inaugural Junior Breeder Of The Year

The American Kennel Club (AKC^®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to announce that Theodore “Joshua” Moore is the recipient of the inaugural AKC Junior Breeder of the Year award. This new award honors junior breeders who are the future of the American Kennel Club and are dedicated to improving the health, temperament and quality of purebred dogs.

“We are proud to recognize Joshua as the first recipient of the AKC Junior Breeder of the Year award,” said Gina M. DiNardo, President and CEO of the American Kennel Club. “The future of our sport depends on young people who understand the responsibility, dedication and purpose behind preserving and improving their breeds. Joshua represents that next generation of breeders, and his commitment to learning, responsible breeding and the sport, makes him truly deserving of this recognition. We look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish in the years ahead.”

One winner is selected based on a variety of criteria, including having bred or co-bred multiple litters, active participation in AKC events, titles earned on dogs they have bred, and that they are a current member of a club. AKC junior programs are open to children ages 9 through 18. The 2026 AKC Junior Breeder of the Year award will be presented during the evening competition of the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin on Saturday, December 12, 2026.

As the winner of the AKC Junior Breeder of the Year award, Joshua Moore will receive a medallion, Crystal Rising Star trophy, and his name will be inscribed on a perpetual trophy permanently displayed at the American Kennel Club offices. The AKC will also provide two litter registration coupons and two AKC DNA Health Kits to Joshua to support his continued participation as a breeder and exhibitor in AKC events.

About Theodore “Joshua” Moore

Theodore “Joshua” Moore grew up in a family where German Shorthaired Pointers have always been more than just dogs—they have been a way of life. Joshua is a third-generation German Shorthaired Pointer breeder. His grandparents, Joe and Rhonda Meath, began breeding German Shorthaired Pointers in 1993, beginning a family tradition that Joshua continues today.

At just seven years old, Joshua received his first dog and quickly became involved in the sport. That same year, he competed in his first AKC event, running his dog, Hruska, in Junior Hunt Tests and earning her Junior Hunt title. Before long, Joshua and Hruska were also competing in Rally and Agility, giving him an early introduction to the many ways he could enjoy working and competing with his dogs. When Hruska was bred, Joshua kept a female puppy named Storm. Storm went on to become Joshua’s first Bred-By Champion, marking an important milestone in his development as a young breeder and exhibitor. Joshua later competed with one of Hruska’s puppies, Garth, through Master-level Hunt Tests.

Over the years, Joshua has competed with his dogs in a wide variety of AKC and performance events, including Hunt Tests, Obedience, Rally, Conformation, Dock Diving, Agility, Fast CAT, and Fetch. His versatility and dedication have earned him the Junior Versatility Award twice, along with numerous scholarships throughout his junior career. Joshua graduated from high school in June 2026 and began attending Dakota County Technical College in July 2026, where he is pursuing a career as a lineman. While he is beginning this next chapter of his life and career, his passion for German Shorthaired Pointers remains a constant. His story is a testament to the opportunities that dogs can provide and to the generations of family, dedication, and passion that make a breeding and showing program truly special.

To learn more about junior programs, visit https://www.akc.org/sports/juniors/.

Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=375616

Posted by Liz on Nov 10 2026. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.