2025 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin in Orlando, FL, the company said.

The campaign pairs three high-profile competitors with their companion animals to spotlight the bond between handlers and dogs as the championship takes place December 13 & 14, 2025, with live coverage on AKCtv.

Royal Canin named LPGA icon Michelle Wie West, Indiana Hoosiers quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Fernando Mendoza, and 13-time WTA doubles champion Asia Muhammad as the athletes on its MVP team. Each athlete appears alongside their dogs, with the announcement highlighting specific animals in the program: Gatsby and Daisy, English Sheepdogs; Rome, a Cane Corso; and Scout, a Labrador Retriever.

What role do competitive dog shows play in promoting responsible dog ownership? “At Royal Canin, we understand the dedication that handlers and dogs put into competing in the national championship, similar to the energy our athlete partners put into their own pursuits,” he said. Competitive dog shows play a significant role in promoting responsible dog ownership, educating the public about breed characteristics, health needs, and the training required for well-behaved companion animals.

Michelle Wie West described her dogs as constant companions. “Gatsby and Daisy, my English Sheepdogs, and Rome, my Cane Corso, have been by my side through so many important moments in my life. They’re my true MVPs—always giving me their best, so I want to give them what they need to thrive. That’s why partnering with Royal Canin is an easy choice,” she said. How can dog owners prepare their pets for participation in competitions like the by ensuring their pets meet eligibility requirements, allowing them to be fully registered for conformation events to showcase their capabilities.

The American Kennel Club, the not-for-profit that maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the U.S., is the event’s presenting organization. The AKC’s national-championship information provides context for the broadcast and the disciplines highlighted during championship coverage, which the announcement ties to Royal Canin’s work with handlers and exhibitors. More on the event appears on the American Kennel Club site.

Royal Canin U.S., described in the announcement as a pet health nutrition brand, is part of Mars, Incorporated, the parent company noted in the release. The campaign underscores Royal Canin’s positioning alongside competitive dog sport, using athlete testimonials and named animals to connect performance narratives across human and canine athletes.

The announcement also framed the partnership as a celebration of milestone moments and the effort behind them. The campaign’s messaging invoked “the bond that makes every dog a champion” and the idea of celebrating the effort that goes into milestone moments for handlers and their dogs. Participating in dog sports not only nourishes this bond but also provides significant health benefits for both dogs and their owners, What are the key health benefits of participating in dog sports for both dogs an, promoting increased physical activity and improved quality of life through regular engagement in activities like agility and circuit training.

Beyond the campaign, competitive dog shows have a broader role in promoting responsible ownership and informing the public about breed characteristics and care; that perspective aligns with commentary available from organizations that outline how shows educate owners and support responsible breeding. By fostering an understanding of dog care and training, these shows play a crucial part in encouraging responsible pet ownership.

The AKC National Championship will occur December 13-14, 2025, with live coverage on AKCtv as part of the celebration tied to Royal Canin’s MVP team.

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Original reporting: view the original article.