AKC National Dog Show 2023: History and Excitement Combined

The AKC National Dog Show is a beloved annual event that brings together dog enthusiasts from all over the country. It's a celebration of the special bond between humans and dogs.

The show has a rich history, dating back to 1933 when it was first held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This year's event promises to be just as exciting.

The show features over 200 breeds of dogs, each with its unique characteristics and traits. From the tiny Chihuahua to the majestic Great Dane, there's a dog for everyone to admire.

The AKC National Dog Show is a family-friendly event that's fun for all ages.

The National Dog Show has a rich history that dates back to 1876, when purebred dogs were first exhibited in the Philadelphia area at the Centennial International Exposition.

The Kennel Club of Philadelphia was founded two years later and began hosting dog shows in 1879, with its only break from 1928 to 1932 during the Great Depression.

The Kennel Club of Philadelphia predates the American Kennel Club as a canine organization, but it's the AKC that is recognized as the sanctioning body for dog breeds allowed to compete.

A real dog show was created to fill the gap between the Thanksgiving parade and football, inspired by the Christopher Guest dog show parody classic "Best in Show."

The National Dog Show has its roots in the Kennel Club of Philadelphia's annual dog show, which was first held in 1933. This event was founded by a group of dog enthusiasts who wanted to promote the sport of dog showing and celebrate the unique bond between humans and their canine companions.

The Kennel Club of Philadelphia was established in 1873 and was one of the oldest kennel clubs in the United States. Its annual dog show was a major event in the city, attracting top breeders and their prize-winning dogs from across the country.

The show was initially held at the Philadelphia Civic Center, but it was later moved to the iconic Convention Center in 1960. This new location allowed for more space and better facilities, enabling the show to grow and become the popular event it is today.

The Kennel Club of Philadelphia's annual dog show was a springboard for the National Dog Show, which was first held in 1933. This inaugural event was a huge success, with over 500 dogs competing in various breed classes.

The National Dog Show has been a beloved tradition for over 90 years, with its first broadcast in 1935. The show was originally called the Kennel Club of Philadelphia Dog Show and was held at the Philadelphia Fairgrounds.

One of the most iconic moments in National Dog Show history was the 1999 broadcast, which saw a Beagle named Uno take home the top prize. Uno's win was a historic moment for the breed, marking the first time a Beagle had ever won the title.

The show's popularity soared in the 2000s, with over 10 million viewers tuning in annually. This surge in interest was largely due to the charismatic hosting duo of John O'Hurley and David Frei.

In 2011, a talented Scottish Terrier named Sadie became the first dog to win the National Dog Show in back-to-back years. Her wins cemented her status as one of the greatest dogs in National Dog Show history.

The show has continued to grow in popularity, with its 2020 broadcast reaching over 20 million viewers. This milestone marked a new record for the show, solidifying its place as one of the most-watched dog shows in the country.

The AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin is a week-long event that offers a wide range of activities, including all-breed, limited breed, specialty, and open shows.

For twenty-three years, this event has been the "exclamation mark" on the dog show year in America, making it a unique and exciting experience for dog enthusiasts.

Competition is keen in every ring at the Orange County Convention Center, with many judges taking their roll very seriously, ensuring that only the best of the best rise to the top.

With over 9,801 total entries in 2023, the ANC has become a must-attend event for anyone interested in purebred dogs and companion or performance events.

Expand your knowledge: List of Best in Show Winners of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Deciding Best in Show is a multi-step process that starts with categorizing the 205 breeds and varieties into one of seven groups.

Each group includes a specific set of breeds, such as Terrier, toy, sporting, working, hound, herding, and non-sporting.

The toy group includes Pomeranians and Chihuahuas, while the sporting group includes golden retrievers and pointers.

The working group includes boxers and Great Danes, and the hound group includes Scottish Deerhound and dachshunds.

Participants who win First in Group among the dogs in each of the seven categories will go on to compete for the coveted title of Best in Show.

Explore further: Westminster Herding Group 2023

The AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin is a week-long extravaganza that's a genuine gift to the dog fancy. It's the "exclamation mark" on the dog show year in America, with all eyes on Orlando, Florida, in December.

The event features an impressive 9,801 total entries across all events in 2023, making it a highlight of the year. You can experience the show, and the accompanying all-breed, limited breed, specialty, and open shows, which is a unique experience.

Owner-Handlers and Junior Handlers take center stage thanks to the NOHS and Junior Showmanship Finals, while Breeders shine in the Best Bred-By-Exhibitor in Show competition. The competition is keen in every ring at the Orange County Convention Center.

The many judges who are hired in each Conformation, Companion, and Performance event take their roll very seriously, and it's little wonder that the "best of the best" always manage to rise to the top.