Royal Canin U.S. assembled a team of athletes and their dogs to mark the 25th anniversary of the American Kennel Club (AKC) National Championship presented by Royal Canin. The team includes LPGA golfer Michelle Wie West, Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza and 13-time WTA doubles champion Asia Muhammad.
"At Royal Canin, we understand the dedication that handlers and dogs put into competing in the national championship, similar to the energy our athlete partners put into their own pursuits," said Don MacIntosh, vice president of the professional division at Royal Canin North America. "We are honored to celebrate the effort that goes into these milestone moments – whether securing best in show, a championship title or an outstanding player award – to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the AKC National Championship."
The athletes and their dogs comprise Royal Canin's Most Valuable Pup (MVP) team for the championship celebration.
"Gatsby and Daisy, my English Sheepdogs, and Rome, my Cane Corso, have been by my side through so many important moments in my life," said West. "They're my true MVPs—always giving me their best, so I want to give them what they need to thrive. That's why partnering with Royal Canin is an easy choice. I'm honored to be celebrating the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin by honoring the incredible dogs in my life."
The 2025 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin will air December 28, 2025, from 12-3 p.m. ET on ABC. Royal Canin introduced the Breederboard, an interactive digital experience allowing broadcast viewers to vote for their breed MVP based on this year's show.
"Joining Royal Canin's MVP team to celebrate the AKC National Championship and the special bond we each have with our dogs is a privilege," said Mendoza. "Scout, my family's Labrador Retriever, is always there for me – one of my favorite things about coming home from school is seeing him. He has a way of making everything better just by being there, which is what makes him a real MVP in my book."
According to Petfood Industry's Top Pet Food companies, Royal Canin U.S., a subsidiary of Mars, Inc., is a leader in science-based cat and dog health nutrition. Founded by a veterinarian in 1968, Royal Canin has more than 50 years of experience in delivering individualized nutritional solutions. In collaboration with an expert team of nutritionists, breeders, and veterinarians from around the world, Royal Canin places cats and dogs at the central point of the innovation process.
