NEW YORK and ST. CHARLES, Mo., Dec. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 25th annual AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin® will air as a three-hour special on the ABC television network on December 28th, 2025, at 12 p.m. ET. The show features thousands of dogs from around the nation and 20 countries competing for the coveted title of America’s National Champion.
“We’re excited to bring this milestone event to ABC viewers nationwide,” said Gina M. DiNardo, Show Chairperson and AKC President and CEO. “Our exhibitors’ dedication and passion for their dogs and for the sport are truly unparalleled, and we can’t wait for that to shine through on screen on December 28.”
Leading the broadcast are AKC President and CEO, Gina DiNardo, noted sportscaster Carolyn Manno, and AKC’s own Bill Ellis. The 25th AKC National Championship is the largest dog show in North America, with 5,557 dogs entered in Conformation from 50 states and Washington, DC, and all around the world. That, combined with competitions in Agility, Obedience, Rally, the National Owner-Handled Series Finals, AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes. and junior competitions, brings the total entries to 9,162. Dogs will compete for multiple titles across various events, with the owner of the Best in Show winner receiving $50,000.
“Royal Canin knows the dedication it takes to be the best in show from providing tailored nutrition, to supporting your dog on and off the show floor,” said Don MacIntosh, vice president of the professional division at Royal Canin North America. “We are excited to celebrate these canine athletes and their handlers at the 2025 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin and look forward to audiences witnessing the action on ABC.”
Award-winning company B Live Productions will once again produce the TV broadcast and livestream.
For more information, please visit www.akc.org/nationalchampionship.
Media Contacts:
Brandi Hunter Munden
American Kennel Club
bhm@akc.org
Alyssa D’Orazio
Royal Canin
alyssa.dorazio@effem.com
ABOUT THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 4,900 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 26,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, scent work, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests.
Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite, the AKC Museum of the Dog, and the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank. For more information, visit www.akc.org.
AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.
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About ROYAL CANIN®:
ROYAL CANIN® is part of the Royal Canin Division in the Mars, Incorporated group, and a global leader in Health Through Nutrition for cats and dogs fulfilling its Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. Founded in 1968 by French veterinarian, Dr. Jean Cathary, ROYAL CANIN® designs precise, science-based nutrition for cats and dogs available at pet specialty retailers and veterinary practices worldwide.
Over the years, ROYAL CANIN® has pushed the limits of nutrition and knowledge in partnership with pet professionals, including breeders and veterinarians. Its unique business approach puts the nutritional requirements of cats and dogs at the heart of innovation. Pet’s age, lifestyle, size, breed, and sensitivities are studied through science and observation to produce diets that meet their specific needs.
ROYAL CANIN® generates value not only for pets, but also for people and the planet. This means being mutually beneficial to the ecosystem, empowering Associates, building enduring relationships with stakeholders, and always thinking about how to ensure a viable future for generations to come.
To learn more about ROYAL CANIN®, visit www.royalcanin.com
