The 2023 AKC National Agility Championship (NAC) will be held from March 16 to March 19 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This exciting dog agility event will feature dogs racing against the clock through obstacle courses. If you’re wondering which dog breeds will be participating in the AKC National Agility Championship, here’s a glimpse:

Various dog breeds excel in agility, with those known for their speed or herding instincts performing exceptionally well. Expect to see breeds from the Herding Group, such as 288 Border Collies, 121 Shetland Sheepdogs, 65 Australian Shepherds, 34 Miniature American Shepherds, and 29 Pembroke Welsh Corgis.

Members of the Sporting Group, bred for hunting and retrieving game, also shine in agility. Look out for 48 Labrador Retrievers, 80 Golden Retrievers, and seven Weimaraners among the Sporting Group competitors.

Despite their small size and companion dog status, Toy Group breeds are fierce competitors in agility. Keep an eye out for 65 Papillons, 25 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, eight Pomeranians, seven Chinese Cresteds, and four Yorkshire Terriers. They will be joined by Toy breeds from the Non-Sporting Group, including four French Bulldogs and one Keeshond.

Representatives from the Hound Group include six Beagles, three Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and two Whippets, while the Terrier Group features five Parson Russell Terriers and two Rat Terriers. The versatile Working Group will be represented by nine Doberman Pinschers, four Portuguese Water Dogs, three Great Danes, and three Rottweilers.

Some breeds may have only one representative at the Championship, but they still enjoy competing at the highest levels. For example, there will be one Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, one Bulldog, and one Alaskan Malamute in this year’s competition.

Agility is open to both purebred and mixed-breed dogs, with 116 All-American Dogs enrolled in the AKC Canine Partners program participating in the event. This program allows mixed-breed dogs to earn titles in various AKC sports and programs.