United States
Complete AKC championship guide — points, majors, and conditions verified from official regulations.
The championship system in the United States is administered by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Unlike the European FCI system which relies on fixed CAC certificates, the AKC uses a dynamic points system. The number of points awarded at a show depends entirely on the number of dogs of the same breed and sex competing that day, and the point schedule varies by geographic region. Always confirm current point schedules directly with akc.org before planning your campaign.
Eligibility Requirements
Before entering the ring
| Registration | Dog must be officially registered with the AKC. |
| Age | At least six (6) months old on the day of the show. |
| Status | Must be intact (not spayed or neutered). |
| Health | Must be in sound health and up-to-date on vaccinations. |
| Breed Standard | Must have no disqualifying faults as defined by the breed's parent club standard. |
Standard Championship Track
The core titles — Champion and Grand Champion
| Total Points | 15 Points total |
| Majors | Must include at least 2 "Majors" (wins worth 3, 4, or 5 points) |
| Judges | Majors must be won under 2 different judges. At least 1 or more of the remaining points must be won under a 3rd judge. |
| Max per show | A maximum of 5 points can be earned in a single show. |
| Total Points | 25 Grand Championship Points |
| Majors | Must include 3 "Majors" won under 3 different judges |
| Judges | At least 1 or more points must be won under a 4th judge |
| Competition | Must compete in Best of Breed competition and defeat at least one other AKC Champion at three different shows. |
Find Shows in the United States
Use the DOGMASH Dog Show Map to find online entry portals and superintendents (like InfoDog, BaRay, Onofrio) for AKC shows. Never miss a registration deadline.
Canine Organizations in the USA
National registries and breed-specific clubs
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points are needed for the AKC Champion title? +
To achieve the official 'Champion of Record' title (CH) in the USA, a dog must accumulate 15 points. These points must include at least two 'majors' (wins worth 3, 4, or 5 points) awarded by at least three different judges.
What is a "Major" win in AKC dog shows? +
A major win is a show where a dog earns 3, 4, or 5 points. The number of points awarded depends on the number of dogs of the same breed and sex competing at that specific show, based on the AKC's regional point schedule.
What are the requirements for the AKC Grand Champion title? +
To become a Grand Champion (GCH), a dog must already be a Champion (CH). It then needs to earn 25 Grand Championship points, including 3 major wins under 3 different judges. Additionally, the dog must defeat at least one other AKC Champion at three different shows.
Can foreign champions fast-track to an AKC Championship? +
No. The AKC does not offer a fast-track option for foreign champions. Every dog, regardless of titles held in FCI or other systems, must start from zero and earn the full 15 points and 2 majors to become an AKC Champion.
Are there alternative registries in the USA? +
Yes. While AKC is the primary registry, the United Kennel Club (UKC) requires 100 points (including specific Best Male/Female or BIS wins) for their championship. The International Kennel Club (ICKC) requires 15 points with 2 majors for their International Champion title.
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