AKC Approves Grand Champion Title for Show Dogs

The American Kennel Club will begin offering Grand Champion titles in May.

Posted: April 20, 2010, 2 a.m. EDT

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
2010 Best in Show winner

Top-winning conformation dogs now have the opportunity to step up their game. On April 15 the American Kennel Club, the largest all-breed registry in the United States, announced that it will offer a new title, the Grand Champion, at AKC conformation events beginning May 12.

“Many Champions are retired after earning their titles and this creates a dilemma for breeders,” Robin Stansell, AKC vice president of event operations, says in a press release. “We are excited to offer the Grand Champion title as a way to encourage these quality dogs to return to the ring.”

Dogs compete for the Grand Champion title during the Best of Breed/Variety competition at all-breed, group and specialty shows, and judges award Grand Champion points to the Best of Breed/Variety, Best of Opposite Sex, Select Dog and Select Bitch winners. Dogs who earn a Grand Champion title will receive an invitation to the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, which takes place in December.

To learn more about the Grand Champion Title, visit the AKC’s website.