FROM THE SHOW CHAIR
The 19th AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin was a signifi- cant undertaking at which we once again showcased and honored breed- ers. Within the 1 million square feet of Orlando’s Orange County Convention
A highlight of every National Championship is the Breeder of the Year recognition as well as the inaugural Posthumous Breeder of the Year to Sunny Shay, the legend behind Afghan Hounds of Grandeur. The BOY ceremony coupled with the annual AKC Humane Fund ACE Awards are a fun- damental way in which we honor our own. Six days of streaming on AKC.TV allowed our core con- stituency and the public an opportunity for more engage- ment with our mission, history and traditions. I appreciate the Board of Directors’ confidence bestowed on our Event Committee. Congratulations to Royal Canin for presenting this canine extravaganza which culminates in
Center we offered numerous events for our constituents. The aggregate entry was 11,008 which included 5,284 in conformation, 1,382 in stakes, 1,148 BBE, 791 NOHS, 704 in Agility, 408 in Obedience and 339 Juniors across our sports plus 1,007 in Diving Dogs and 40 Temperament tests. As a result, this became the largest event in AKC’s 135-year his- tory with great appreciation to the breeders, exhibitors, judges and Delegates. Proudly every recognized breed was entered including dogs from each of the 50 states, Washington, D. C. and 27 foreign countries. Meet the Breeds was once again an educational and public relations success thanks to the expertise of volunteers from Parent Clubs and their local specialties.
the crowning of America’s National Champion. As Chairman William Feeney states AKC ROCKS!
—Dennis B. Sprung
Ed. note: If I have one regret about this year’s AKCNC, it is that I didn’t get to make my annual photo with Mr. Sprung...so I couldn’t resist re-run- ning this picture taken at one of the very early shows (2003, I think). Pres- ident Sprung is presenting an Award of Appreciation from AKC to my co-chair, the late Duane Doll, myself, and all the others who made up the Have-A-Heart team. We raised funds for DOGNY (Search & Rescue) and also for TAKE THE LEAD. We are very, very grateful for the recognition and also for the support shown for the caause by the fancy in general. Nothing tops dog people when it comes to kindness and caring. And nothing tops a dog show for fun and frolic. At least, that’s the plann for 2020 where we can see clearly what a wonderful year it will be. n HERE’S WISHING HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL, FROM EVERYONE AT TNT
18 • T op N otch T oys , J anuary 2020
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