.svg)
Get ready to behold the spectacle of man's best friend at its best at the AKC National Agility Championship on March 15. The day brings together dogs of all breeds and sizes from across the country to compete in a series of obstacle courses. The American Kennel Club started the National Agility Championship several decades ago and it has since grown into the premier event for agility dog competitions. The event highlights the incredible bond between dogs and humans, as well as the agility and intelligence of these amazing animals. Catch the action as these pups leap, weave, and race their way towards the coveted Agility Grand Champion title! It's a day not to miss for any canine enthusiast!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1884</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of AKC</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Kennel Club (AKC), the parent organization for the National Agility Championship, was founded.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Start of AKC Agility</div><div class='timeline-text'>AKC introduced and formally recognized Agility as a sport.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Agility Championship</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first AKC National Agility Championship was held.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mixed Breeds Join Competition</div><div class='timeline-text'>AKC allowed mixed breed dogs to compete in agility for the first time via their AKC Canine Partners Program.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Agility Grand Champion Title</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Agility Grand Champion (AGCH) title began to be awarded at the National Agility Championship, recognizing lifelong excellence in agility.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual Nationals Due to COVID-19</div><div class='timeline-text'>Amid the global pandemic, AKC switched to a virtual format for the National Agility Championship, showcasing the adaptability and resiliency of the event and the sport.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host an agility viewing party</h3><p class='facts-text'>Invite fellow agility enthusiasts to view the championship action from your home. Fill the room with dog-themed snacks and treats, and ensure everyone has a comfortable spot from which they can cheer on their favourite competitors.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>SetUp a mock agility course</h3><p class='facts-text'>Inspired by the championship? Setup a makeshift agility course in your own backyard. Such activities not only keep dogs physically fit but also mentally stimulated.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Donate to rescue organizations</h3><p class='facts-text'>Many rescue dogs have gone on to become agility champions. Celebrate this event by donating to local rescue organizations or shelters. Your generous contribution could well nurture the next agility superstar.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Design agility-inspired art</h3><p class='facts-text'>Use the championship as inspiration for your art. Sketch or paint your favorite moments, or create agility-themed crafts which can be great keep-sakes or gifts for fellow dog-lovers.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize a doggy dress-up contest</h3><p class='facts-text'>Combine your love for the Agility Championship with a fun contest among friends and their furry companions. Encourage everyone to dress up their dogs in their best attire and reward the one with the most creative, funny, or cute costume.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a showcase of the bond between dogs and humans</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The AKC National Agility Championship provides a platform for dogs and their owners to showcase their amazing teamwork. It's inspiring to watch the communication between human handlers and their canine partners as they navigate through the agility course, highlighting the strong bond that can exist between people and their pets.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the agility and intelligence of dogs</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This event puts a spotlight on the remarkable physical abilities and quick thinking skills of dogs. They weave, jump, and sprint across challenging courses, offering viewers a thrilling display of athleticism, agility and intelligence that never fails to impress.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings together the community of dog lovers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The AKC National Agility Championship isn't just about competition—it also helps to build a sense of community among dog enthusiasts. Whether you're participating, watching with friends at a viewing party, or creating agility-themed crafts, the event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow dog lovers and deepen your love for these amazing animals.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>All dog breeds and mixes can participate</h3><p class='facts-content'>The agility championship is inclusive, open to all breeds recognized by AKC, including mixed breed dogs through the AKC Canine Partners Program, emphasizing that agility skills aren't limited to specific breeds.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Dogs compete in divisions based on their size and experience</h3><p class='facts-content'>The competition is divided into several classes, with contingents for height (to accommodate dogs' sizes) and level of experience, ensuring a fair playing ground for all participants.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Judges review performances with precision</h3><p class='facts-content'>Judges at the championship closely scrutinize each performance, tracking not only time but also faults like knocking down equipment, refusals at obstacles, or taking obstacles out of sequence, emphasizing the precision and discipline needed in the sport.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Training for agility improves dogs' overall behavior</h3><p class='facts-content'>Training for agility competitions often results in better-behaved dogs outside the agility field. The training process enhances the discipline, obedience, and confidence in dogs, thereby improving their general behavior.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Competitors train extensively for the championship</h3><p class='facts-content'>Joining this event isn't a walk in the park. The dogs and their handlers dedicate hours of training to build speed, understanding of the course, obedience, and most importantly, coordination between each other, showcasing the hard work behind each show-stopping performance.</p></div></div>
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
