08/27/2025
The American Kennel Club just updated their "Code of Sportsmanship and Civility" guidance, so as someone active in this hobby, I want to talk about it!
For a full transcript of the new Code, see the end of this post, check out the screenshot attached, or see the link below:
https://images.akc.org/pdf/AKC_code_of_sportsmanship.pdf
The AKC Code of Sportsmanship and Code of Civility are guiding principles meant to set the tone for behavior in all AKC-related activities: conformation shows, performance and companion events, training, judging, and even day-to-day interactions within the dog community.
The AKC first formally embraced this concept with the February 2006 Chairman’s Report from Ron Menaker, which you can check out at the link below.
https://www.akc.org/chairmans-reports/2006-02
So, what's changed? Both codes aim to shape the culture of dog sports, but they’re written for different eras, different worlds, and different visions of what "good sportsmanship" means.
Here's a few key things that I noticed with the updated version:
🔸Both versions stress respect for history and traditions, adherence to AKC rules, fairness in judging, impartiality, avoiding personal advantage, accepting criticism, civility in competition, supporting newcomers, sharing honest assessments of breeding stock, and prioritizing dog welfare.
🔸There's a shift from "sportsman" to the more inclusive “sportsperson”, reflecting broader societal moves toward equity and inclusivity that's long overdue.
🔸There’s a clear expansion from simply dictating behavior to now framing exhibitors as role models, whose conduct inside and outside the ring should be respectful of what it is representing.
🔸It now extends civility and fairness to online platforms, a significantly bigger issue than we could have known in 2006. There's acknowledgement that the modern landscape has changed, where online gossip and disparagement is a huge problem.
🔸Dog welfare is the very first point and a clear priority. The new version puts a strong focus on long-term health and responsible ownership.
🔸There's a recognition of responsibility to “future generations,” showing a stewardship mindset rather than just personal conduct.
In the 2006 version, the focus was on personal restraint and fair play: don’t compromise the judge, don’t take advantage, and don’t embarrass the sport. The 2025 version broadens the focus to community, culture and stewardship: care for the dogs, respect the history of our breeds, mentor newcomers, foster inclusion, behave responsibly online, and act as a role model.
I personally think these changes are a great example to set, and should be welcomed and followed by anyone in our hobby. Of course, perhaps the people who need to read it most will never take the time to read it themselves, but as a community we can show up and make the space far more friendly than it has been in the past. We have a duty to keep the sport accessible and welcoming for future generations; without them, the entire hobby comes grinding to a halt.
✨ 2025 AKC Code of Sportsmanship and Civility ✨
🔹Sportspeople always place the welfare of their dog above all else.
🔹Sportspeople prioritize the long-term health and preservation of their breed, making decisions that reflect a deep commitment to responsible breeding and ownership.
🔹Sportspeople respect the history, traditions and integrity of the sport of purebred dogs.
🔹Sportspeople conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the sport, the American Kennel Club, and themselves.
🔹Sportspeople appreciate, encourage and support all who associate with and participate in the sports by fostering an environment where respect, equity, inclusion, and courtesy are foundational.
🔹Sportspeople understand, uphold and abide by all AKC bylaws, rules, regulations and policies.
🔹Sportspeople contribute to a positive atmosphere at events by avoiding negative gossip, disparagement, or unsportsmanlike behavior.
🔹Sportspeople extend their values of civility, fairness, and respect to all digital and social media platforms.
🔹Sportspeople actively support the education and mentorship of newcomers, helping them learn the rules, values, and traditions of the sport in a respectful way.
🔹Sportspeople recognize that they are role models in the sport, and strive to lead by example through humility, kindness, and ethical conduct.
🔹Sportspeople treat fellow exhibitors, judges, officials, volunteers, spectators, and AKC staff with dignity and respect, regardless of experience, background, or differences in opinion.
🔹Sportspeople are committed to fair play, honesty, courtesy, and competition, approaching both winning and losing with grace.
🔹Sportspeople understand that strong competition and civility can—and should—coexist. They appreciate the quality of their competitors, and the effort put forth by others.
🔹Sportspeople uphold their responsibilities to the sport of purebred dogs and refuse to let personal gain or self-interest influence their decisions or behavior.
🔹The sportsperson judges only on the merits of the dogs and considers no other factors.
🔹The sportsperson judge or exhibitor accepts constructive criticism.
🔹The sportsperson exhibitor declines to enter or exhibit under a judge where it might reasonably appear that the judge’s placements could be based on something other than the merits of the dogs.
🔹The sportsperson exhibitor refuses to compromise the impartiality of a judge.
🔹Sportspeople are willing to share honest and open appraisals of both the strengths and weaknesses of their breeding stock.
🔹Sportspeople decline to exploit any positions of authority or recognition for personal advantage.
🔹Sportspeople appreciate those that have gone before them and realize they are responsible for maintaining and enhancing the sport for future generations.
