With less than two weeks to go before the 2003 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, we hope you are planning to join us in Long Beach, CA, December 3-4. It’s going to be a thrilling event with the three main events – conformation, agility and obedience, all taking place concurrently. Below is the list of events taking place over the two days.

Attached for your convenience is the judging schedule (December 3) so you can come out to watch your favorite breeds compete.

Once again, we ask that if you are planning to join us but have not yet RSVP’d, that you please respond to this email so we can add you to our list. Additionally, please make sure to have your press credentials. As with everything these days, security concerns are heightened at our event. We will be checking credentials at the “Press Check In” table, located in the Arena Lobby of the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center (off the main parking lot).

We look forward to seeing you there.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Dec 3rd:

Breed Judging
Each of AKC's 150 breeds judged individually for Best of Breed. From 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Junior Handling
The nation's top juniors, ages 10-18, vie for Best Junior Handler. Finals begin at 6:30 p.m.

Group Judging
The winners of the breed judging - one dog from each of the 150 breeds- compete in seven groups to determine the competitors who will proceed on to Best in Show. 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Best Bred By Exhibitor in Show
New this year is the Best Bred-by-Exhibitor competition, which recognizes the outstanding and unique contributions of the purebred dog breeder. Bred-by group judging will begin in the early afternoon with Best Bred-by-Exhibitor in Show following the Best Junior Handler competition in the Arena at 6:30 p.m.

ACE Awards
The winners of the AKC's annual Awards for Canine Excellence in the five categories of companion dog, search and rescue, law enforcement, therapy and service will be honored during the Group judging.

AKC Breeder of the Year Award
The remarkable contributions of one outstanding breeder in each of the seven group classifications will be recognized and one will be honored as AKC Breeder of the Year. This award will also be bestowed during the Group judging.

AKC Meet the Breeds
Thinking about getting a dog? "AKC Meet the Breeds" is a unique opportunity for the public to meet dog experts and club members who will share their insights and expertise on the unique qualities and characteristics of their breed. Adult dogs and puppies from more than 145 National Breed Clubs will be on hand at this FREE event open to public from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dec. 3rd & 4th:

AKC National Agility Championship
500 dogs and their handlers will race as fast as they can through an obstacle course towards the title of National Agility Champion. Finals begin Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.

AKC National Obedience Invitational
In the sport of obedience, the dog and handler are judged as a team. The performance of the nearly 100 teams will be judged on how closely the dog and handler match the "perfect picture" of teamwork as they execute a series of specified exercises. Finals begin Dec. 4 at 1 p.m.