The 2016 AKC National
Championship
“ The Greats ” met in Orlando , Fla ., on December 17-18 for an end-of-year celebration of dogs .
BY SUSI SZEREMY
BIS judge Dr . Anthony D . DiNardo .
Competition at the highest level brought together dogs from around the country to compete at the 2016 AKC National Championship dog show presented by Royal Canin in Orlando , Fla . A change in sponsorship from Eukanuba to Royal Canin , however ( the former having presented the show since 2001 ), planted a seed of curiosity in participants wondering how the change would impact the show .
Upon arrival , competitors immediately felt the effect of a new move to the west building within the vast million-square-foot Orange County Convention Center that had less to do with sponsorship than with the “ old ” space having already been reserved by another occupant . Rented scooters , Segways and sensible shoes were in demand as exhibitors and spectators hiked in from hotels and parking lots . Fanciers who returned home with “ barking ” feet will be pleased to learn that the National Championship returns to the North / South building in 2017 and will be held there in future years .
Another indication of different sponsorship was the elegant new logo highlighting the new name and partnership , along with updated décor in conformation venues . Exhibitors and photographers alike made adjustments to Royal Canin ’ s signature red color carpeting that lined breed rings , while the brand ’ s iconic black-and-white imagery was sprinkled throughout the venue . Familiar “ Rhodamine Pink ” Eukanuba signage , meanwhile , appeared in performance arenas , a nod to Eukanuba ’ s continued support of the show ’ s Agility , Obedience , Rally and Dock Diving events .
JUDGE : KAYLA BERTAGNOLLI ; BIS VICKI HOLLOWAY
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