Question of the Week

Linda Tilka

Madeira Beach, Florida

I enjoy going to the event every year. I think the whole affair is well worth it. The AKC outdoes itself every year. New exhibitors will come back for the glamour and opportunity to meet new and old dog people. The vendors could not be better. Great people and products. Great job, everyone. See you next year.

Heather Humphrey

Naples, Florida

I loved the National Championship show. We turned it into a big family vacation before Christmas. Our ring times for our breeds worked out great as well — not too early, not too late.

We do miss the Meet the Breeds booths from years ago.

The only suggestion we have is that whoever schedules the breeds in the rings should not put red dogs on the red carpet. It's not good for photos!

Linda Whitney

Wesley Chapel, Florida

Time conflicts between the puppy sweeps and regular judging were not scheduled appropriately!

Charlie Olvis and Liz Muthard

Lakes Wales, Florida

The extravaganza that is the AKC/Royal Canin National Championship is the perfect end to the dog-show year.

Being show chairs and working almost year round for our club and four-day cluster, it is impossible to imagine the planning that takes place before this event, which showcases the best of the year in conformation as well as performance on a grand scale, with fabulous television coverage to present the purebred dog to the public. There are so many areas where this event is outstanding. Won’t mention for fear of missing anyone, but just want to thank Michael Canalizo, Dennis Sprung, Royal Canin and Jason Taylor for their vision and unwavering commitment to every year improving on this already spectacular show!

Stephanie S. Hedgepath

Lexington, South Carolina

I think it was terrific! Where else can you see so many good representatives of all or almost every AKC recognized breeds other than Westminster? (I’m not certain if perhaps one breed was not represented.) The location is fabulous, and there is plenty of space to do it all — and they did! It is so similar in attending your breed’s national specialty, as you see people from all over the nation whom you have not seen in a while. In a way, it was a large “homecoming” celebration. The only negative in attending is that I picked up Covid, causing me to miss Christmas with my family.  

Meg Callea

Shelton, Washington

It was quite the spectacle. My big issue with the event is, it's really hard for regular exhibitors to get to Florida. By regular exhibitors, I mean the bread and butter of the sport: those of us who go to shows in our area, but most can’t take the time and expense from the West Coast. 

It's time to move to somewhere where the playing field is more balanced, and everyone has the ability to be a part of the show. 

The location will never be perfect for everyone, but I would hope, in the future, it would be considered.  

Brian Clegg

Cincinnati, Ohio

I felt the two days of the AKC National were fabulous. Rings full of quality dogs working hard to achieve success. Fully stacked groups where even a placement was coveted. 
The show was incredibly well run and on time. We certainly will be back. Happy New Year.