There are so many reasons why you need to be at the 2017 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin. In addition to being able to meet more than 180 of the AKC-recognized breeds, there will be absolutely thrilling displays of dogs’ natural athleticism in the form of agility and dock diving; proof of advanced canine comprehension in obedience and rally; and, of course, you can watch each group winner competing for the coveted Best in Show title in the conformation ring. Not to mention, there will be plenty of other attractions to entice the entire family!
Other events in the one-million-square-feet of canine-centric event space during the week of Dec. 12-17, 2017, include the:
- AKC Junior Showmanship Finals
- AKC Junior Agility Competition
- AKC Juniors Obedience and Rally Classics
- AKC Obedience Classic
- AKC Agility Invitational
- NADD/AKC Diving Dogs
- AKC National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals
- 1st inaugural AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes
- Specialty shows, group shows, and the Foundation Stock Service®/Miscellaneous Open Show
- And, of course, AKC Meet the Breeds®!
But fear not — if you aren’t able to pack your bags last minute and head down to sunny Orlando, Fla., to witness this canine extravaganza in person, there are a few other options to allow you to keep up with the action.
Live Streams
The AKC National Championship evening competition (Dec. 16 & 17) will be streamed live, beginning at 5 p.m. each night on the AKC website, as well as on Royal Canin’s website. Additionally, the finals of the inaugural AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes will stream live on AKC and Royal Canin websites on Friday, December 15th at 3:15 p.m. The 2017 Agility Invitational finals will be streamed live on Sunday, December 17th at 6:20 p.m.
On-Demand
The Bred-by Exhibitor groups, Junior Showmanship Finals, AKC NOHS Group Finals, Best Miscellaneous, and agility and obedience competition will be taped and available on-demand on the AKC website.
Television
The AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin will premiere on Animal Planet on New Year’s Day, Monday, January 1, 2018 at 7 PM ET. An encore presentation will air at 11 PM ET. Actor, television personality, and dog lover Jerry O’Connell will be this year’s guest host, joining co-hosts, sportscasters Jason Knapp and Sam Ryan and AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo.
Highlights from each competition category, including agility, dock diving, and Best in Show will be shown during the Animal Planet special.
AKC Social Media
If you aren’t already doing so, you can follow the AKC on social media for frequent updates, including pictures, videos, breaking news, and more! Our Facebook page will feature plenty of live streams; our Snapchat (@AmericanKennelClub) will show on-the-fly fun; our Instagram will give you and your pup more pics than you can shake a stick at; and our Twitter will be providing you with live updates on winners in all categories.