FIRST 10 AKC GRAND CHAMPIONS IN EACH BREED TO RECEIVE SPECIAL MEDALLION

First-Ever AKC Grand Champion “Stoli” Recognized at Oklahoma Dog Show

New York, NY – In recognition of the newest American Kennel Club® Grand Champion conformation title, a special blue enamel AKC Medallion will be sent to the owners of the first 10 Grand Champion title holders in each AKC-recognized breed to mark this historic achievement.

To kick off the Grand Champion medallion program Director of AKC Event Management Michael Canalizo, joined by AKC Board Member Lee Arnold and Executive Field Representative Sue Vroom, made a special presentation to the first-ever Grand Champion, GCH Monterra’s Best Bet, MH, a 4-year-old Weimaraner affectionately known as “Stoli” bred and owned by Elizabeth Krupinski and co-owned by Timothy Bintner of Elizabeth, Colorado and handled by Tad Walden. Stoli received a special gold AKC Medallion at the Oklahoma City Kennel Club show on July 2, 2010

. “We are pleased to present the first 10 Grand Champions in each breed with this special AKC Medallion,” said Robin Stansell, AKC Vice President of Event Operations. “Completing the Grand Champion title is quite a feat and we are excited to recognize the dogs and their owners for all that they have accomplished.”

AKC will send a congratulatory letter and one medallion to the owners following verification of the title. Owners and co-owners may order extra medallions by written request. For more information, contact Bobby Birdsong, Director of AKC Event Operations at bwb@akc.org.

All dogs that complete their Grand Championship will receive an invitation to the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach, California to be held on Dec. 4 and 5, 2010. As Grand Championships are completed all dogs will be listed on the AKC website.

For more information on the Grand Champion title visit AKC Rules Applying to Dog Shows.