In the Spotlight

Inside the AKC/Eukanuba dog show with three competitors.

They traveled across the country, hoping for a shot at history and maybe a little fun. They endured pouring rain, hours of waiting, and tense moments in front of some exacting judges.

No, it wasn’t a scene from So You Think You Can Dance. It was the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, the dog world’s premiere annual sports competition. This Olympic-style event drew a whopping 5,000 dogs and their handlers to Long Beach, Calif., one weekend last December to compete in several prestigious events, including obedience, agility, and conformation. Meet three teams who shared the dream.

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