Ever wonder how dogs look so natural in the conformation ring? Some get an early start, competing in Puppy and Junior conformation events, like the annual AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes, held on December 12 in Orlando, FL. This event is part of the larger AKC National Championship week, presented by Royal Canin.
At the end of the breed and group competitions, one puppy is crowned Best in Stakes. These conformation shows specifically showcase puppies (dogs aged 6-12 months) and juniors (dogs 12-18 months), displaying breeding programs and future purebred conformation stars. There were 1,602 dogs starting out in their breed rings to crown Best of Breed. The dog crowned Best of Breed then moves on to Groups, where the winner of each breed competes to be crowned the group winner. Groups include the Herding Group, Hound Group, Non-Sporting Group, Sporting Group, Terrier Group, Toy Group, and Working Groups.
One each of the seven group winners are decided, those winners will move on to the final round of judging to determine that year’s Best in Stakes.
Best in Stakes Winner
The Puppy of the Year and Best in Stakes Winner at the AKC/Royal Canin Puppy & Junior Stakes was Border Terrier “Brighty” CH Meadowlake No More Cloudy Days handled by Karen Fitzpatrick from Kankakee, Illinois. Brighty is owned and bred Fitzpatrick and crowned “Puppy of the Year” by judges Mrs. Rosalind Kramer, Mr. Thomas Coen, and Ms. Pluis Davern after a day of competition.
Group Winners
Herding Group
The Herding Group was won by Miniature American Shepherd “Pharrell” GCHS CH Timeless Go Be Happy, owned by Krista Keel, Karen Keller-Ross, and Shaye Denman. Pharrell, of Bernice LA, was bred by Karen Keller-Ross.
Hound Group
Bloodhound “Dunkin” Flessner’s Been There Brewed That, owned by J. Chisopoulos, M. Michalis, C. Flessner, and H. Buehner, won the Hound Group. Dunkin of Macomb, MI, was bred by Kathleen Drennan, Heather Buehner, Chris Flessner, and Jessica Edwards-Chrisopoulos.
Non-Sporting Group
The Non-Sporting Group was won by Miniature Poodle “Farrah” Canterbury’s Farrah Of Crystalline, who is owned by Jennifer Rodgers, Adam Loiselle, and Kevin Smyth. Farrah, of Orleans, ON, was bred by Kevin Smyth and Jason Rodger.
Sporting Group
Barbet “Epee” CH Ginkgo Epee Olympic Gold BCAT, owned by Stacy Able, Caleb Krieg, and Bekah Kreig won the Sporting Group. Epee, of Indianapolis, IN, was bred by Stacey Able and Denise Katz.
Terrier Group
The Terrier Group was won by Border Terrier “Brighty” CH Meadowlake No More Cloudy Days. Brighty is owned and bred by Karen Fitzpatrick of Kankakee, IL.
Toy Group
The Toy Group winner was Havanese “Miles” Zona Rosa’s It Never Entered My Mind, owned by Maria Elena Pereira, Suzanne Peck, and David Stout. Miles, of North Port, FL, was bred by Maria Elena Pereira, David Stout, and Suzanne Peck.
Working Group
The winner of the Working Group was Portuguese Water Dog “Phantom” CH Salt Heirs Monster In My Closet, owned by Lynn Green of Sudbury, MA. Phantom was bred by Victoria Gifford and Lynn Green.
If you missed the livestream of the AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes, you can catch all of the action on AKC.tv.
The AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin, has crowned its 2025 Best in Show! Learn more about conformation and follow your favorite breeds at dog shows throughout the year.