Message from the AKC
- Aug 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 30
Reprinted from AKC News
I am pleased to share several exciting developments currently underway at the American Kennel Club (AKC), all of which reflect our continued commitment to the advancement of canine sports and the enrichment of our community. In this edition of AKC Insider, we spotlight the AKC Agility Premier Cup, presented by Pet Perfect® by Shaw Floors®, the highly anticipated return of our Educational Webinar Series, the launch of the AKC National Art Contest and an updated AKC Code of Sportsmanship and Civility—each a testament to the passion, talent, and dedication that define the AKC family.
AKC Agility Premier Cup
The AKC Agility Premier Cup, one of the year’s most anticipated agility events, aired on ESPN on July 5th. Hosted at Fort Stewart, GA as part of AKC Salutes the Troops, this special weekend honored service members while celebrating the extraordinary bond between dogs and their handlers. Nearly 100 of the nation’s top agility teams competed across five height divisions—8”, 12”, 16”, 20”, and 24”—for a total of $10,000 in prizes.
Congratulations to our 2025 winners:
8”: Aerilee’s Songbird (“Lark”), Papillon – Handler: Betsey Lynch
12”: NAC MACH Breezy Blue’s Be Quick! (“Nimble”), All-American Dog – Handler: Cynthia Hornor
16”: NAC MACH Epic Chase The Stars (“Zula”), Border Collie – Handler: Jada Sawhney
20”: Finix Xcelerate (“Xcel”), Working Kelpie – Handler: Erin Stumler
24”: Fast Talk Words Are Wind (“Genuine”), Border Collie – Handler: Perry DeWitt
This thrilling competition was a testament to the discipline, athleticism, and communication between dog and handler. It also reflected what makes AKC sports so meaningful—strengthening the bond between people and their dogs.
Televising events like the Agility Premier Cup is a powerful way to share the excitement of dog sports with a national audience. By showcasing the skill, teamwork, and joy these teams bring to competition, AKC not only celebrates our canine athletes but also furthers our mission to promote responsible dog ownership, inspire new participants, and highlight the important role dogs play in our lives
AKC Educational Webinar Series
We are pleased to announce the return of the Public Education Programs & Resources webinars, hosted by AKC Public Education, on October 7, 2025, at 5:30 PM (EST) and November 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM (EST).
These free, 60-minute sessions will highlight the wide range of educational programs and resources AKC offers to the public, from beginner obedience to advanced breeder tools. Each session includes a live Q&A, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with AKC experts.
Past webinar topics have included:
Getting Started: Obedience
Long-Term Adverse Health Consequences Following Spaying/Neutering
Brush Up on AKC Breeder Toolkit
Webinars are open to all, and registration is required. If you don’t see a topic that interests you, we encourage you to submit your ideas to the AKC Education Department. Previous webinars are available on demand on the AKC website. Sign up and learn more about AKC Webinars here.
AKC National Art Contest
Do you know a talented young artist with a passion for dogs? Encourage them to enter the AKC National Art Contest? Now in its second year, the contest invites young artists ages 5 to 18 to celebrate their love of dogs through creative expression. This year’s theme, “Dog Shows,” offers an opportunity for participants to share their unique perspectives through drawings, paintings, or mixed media.
Entries will be divided into four age brackets and judged on creativity, alignment to theme, and overall quality. Four finalists will be selected from each bracket, with their work showcased in an online exhibition. Winning pieces will also be displayed at the AKC Museum of the Dog in New York City, giving visitors the chance to see these works in person. Entries close September 29, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Full contest details, including rules, guidelines, and the entry form, can be found here.
Code of Sportsmanship and Civility
This month, we are pleased to announce an update to the American Kennel Club (AKC) Code of Sportsmanship. The revised American Kennel Club (AKC) Code of Sportsmanship and Civility, reflects our unwavering commitment to integrity, respect, and the highest standards of conduct in all AKC-sanctioned events. This code affirms the principles of fair play, honesty, courtesy, and mutual respect—core values that must define the spirit of our community.
Participants are encouraged to engage in spirited competition while upholding the tenets of civility and prioritizing the health and welfare of their dogs. Adherence to established rules and regulations is not only expected, but essential to preserving the credibility and enduring appeal of our sports.
These values extend across all areas of AKC activity—conformation, performance, companion, and family dog events—fostering a culture of respect and responsibility. Many within our community believe that the steadfast commitment to sportsmanship and civility is a key factor in the sport’s continued success over the past 140 years.
We thank you for your dedication to the AKC and your ongoing contributions to the well-being of dogs and the advancement of our shared mission. It is a privilege to share this important update with you, and we look forward to continuing this work together in support of the values that define the American Kennel Club.
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