Editorial: January 2, 2026

So the international competition was held and it became very successful even with the skeptics. So successful, in fact, that the money paid by the European Eukanuba company, they decided to take Ron’s idea and their menu back to Europe. The first European event held in Amsterdam never caught on or had the cache of ones held in the United States. As the show changed names and venues from coast to coast, it also grew in size and prestige. The December show grew to over 5,500 dogs over the three days that included puppy stakes, independent specialties followed by two days of conformation judging. New to the event was the inclusion of independent specialties held on both Saturday and Sunday. One would question this needless addition to a long and stressful week on both dogs and humans. One official was quoted as saying that the reason for holding these specialties was to keep people at the Sunday part of the show so it wouldn’t be so empty. Seeing as those whose dogs weren’t needed for further competition left on Saturday to head home for the holidays. We have long suggested that the AKC National Championship should be a stand-alone event. It should not have to create more competitions to keep people at their event. For the money that is spent on this week-long event, shouldn’t the AKC reap the benefit and not be held at the end a long cluster of shows. The Orlando venue is certainly spacious but it lacks the public spectators that would be beneficial to the American Kennel Club public image and awareness. Something that is desperately needed. Maybe Orlando has the right space but the wrong location. Who can win against Mickey Mouse and his friends? Nonetheless, we congratulate AKC President, CEO and Show Chairperson, Gina DiNardo and her team for job well done for running a seamless event that does improve year after year and will endure for years to come. So come next December it will once again convene in Orlando for the 26th AKC National Championship Dog Show presented by Royal Canin.