Spectators can watch thousands of the world's top canine competitors from across the country and around the globe vie for Best in Show honors and a total of $225,000 in prize money. National titles will also be awarded at the AKC Agility Invitational and the AKC National Obedience Invitational, and entrants from more than 40 countries around the globe will compete in the Eukanuba World Challenge. And for the first-time ever, there will be dedicated competitions just for Juniors in all three sports: conformation, agility and obedience.
Dog lovers will enjoy events like AKC Meet the Breeds®where 150 different dog breeds and breed experts will be on hand to meet the public. The vendor mall will also offer holiday shoppers more than 100 different booths to pick out gifts for dog-loving family and friends. Show off your breed loyalties with a dog breed shirt, pick up a new dog bed for your Borzoi, a winter coat for your Whippet, or exquisite, hand-crafted jewelry for you!
Tickets for both the Daytime and Evening sessions are now on sale and can be purchased through the AKC Website. Daytime tickets can also be purchased in person at the Orange County Convention Center Box Office on the day of the event(s). Evening Tickets are capacity controlled and limited and can only be purchased online while the supply lasts.
| Adult | $20 |
| Senior (65+) & 13-18 Yrs | $15 |
| Children 2-12 Yrs | $5 |
| Children Under 2 Yrs | FREE |
| Active Military | FREE w/ ID |
Daytime activities include breed judging, Bred-By-Exhibitor groups, the AKC Agility Invitational, the AKC National Obedience Invitational, AKC Meet the Breeds®, the Eukanuba K-9 Experience, Super Retriever Dock Diving and a Canine Narcotic Detection Competition.
| All Seats | $20 |
| Senior (65+) & Active Military | $15 |
Evening tickets offer access to all scheduled evening events, including group judging (Saturday & Sunday), the Junior Showmanship Finals (Saturday), the presentation of the AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (Saturday), the Eukanuba World Challenge Opening Ceremonies (Saturday), the Eukanuba World Challenge Finals (Sunday), Breeder of the Year (Sunday), Best Bred-By in Show (Sunday) and Best in Show (Sunday).
All Sporting, Hound, Toy and Non-Sporting breeds and groups will be judged on Saturday, while the Working, Terrier and Herding breeds and groups will be judged on Sunday.
Tips for the First-Time Spectator:
- If the grooming area is open to spectators, visit it and talk with professional groomers to get tips on keeping your dog looking his best.
- However tempting, do not pet a dog without asking for permission first. The dog may have just been groomed in preparation for being judged.
- At each dog show, you will find vendors and information booths. Many club booths offer helpful information to the general public.
- Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be doing a lot of walking. Unless you bring a chair or arrive early, be prepared to stand most of the time, as seating is usually limited.
- If you are considering getting a purebred dog, talk to the breeders and exhibitors - they are experts in their breeds
- If you bring a baby stroller to a dog show, be careful that you do not run over any dog's tail, and that your child does not grab or poke the dogs it can reach. Avoid having them near ring entrances, which are especially crowded. Some shows prohibit baby strollers.
