How to Watch the AKC National Championship Dog Show 2026 on ABC
By American TV editorial team |
The AKC National Championship Dog Show Special airs Sunday, December 27, 2026, from 7 to 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. The one-hour special covers the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, the largest dog show in North America, where more than 5,000 dogs compete for Best in Show. On DIRECTV, it's on your local ABC station.
Find your local station in our ABC channel guide and compare DIRECTV viewing options at your address.
The competition itself takes place two weeks earlier, on December 12 and 13, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, so the ABC broadcast is a taped look at the groups and the Best in Show final. Right after the special, ABC airs the broadcast premiere of Mufasa: The Lion King at 8:32 p.m.
Show dates and TV schedule
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes | Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, Orlando |
| Sporting, Hound, Toy and Non-Sporting groups, Junior Showmanship | Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, Orlando |
| Working, Terrier and Herding groups, Best in Show | Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026, Orlando |
| ABC special | Sunday, Dec. 27, 2026, 7 to 8 p.m. ET/PT |
The AKC says the event can be watched live online December 12 and 13, with the schedule available from AKC closer to the competition. ABC hasn't said whether the December 27 special will stream afterward. Last year's Best in Show went to JJ, a Lhasa Apso.
How to watch on DIRECTV
ABC is a local channel on DIRECTV in most markets. Search the guide for "AKC National Championship" and set a recording, then stay on ABC for Mufasa: The Lion King afterward. To find your station, see what channel ABC is in your area. For streaming options from Disney, see our Disney+ and Hulu price guide. For help adding local channels to your DIRECTV package, call American TV at 1-855-690-9884.
Want live TV, local channels and your favorite networks in one place? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
TV date, time and description are from ABC's 2026 holiday schedule (Oct. 27, 2026); show dates, schedule and the 2025 winner are from the American Kennel Club. Details may change. AKC, Royal Canin, ABC, Disney+, Hulu, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent DIRECTV dealer and resource site.