For years, AKC titles were seen as something exclusively available to purebred dogs. However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has expanded its reach with the Canine Partners Program, allowing mixed-breed dogs, also known as All American Dog, to compete and earn AKC titles in various AKC dog sports and activities. This initiative celebrates the unique talents and abilities of every dog, regardless of breed, and provides mixed-breed owners with exciting opportunities to showcase their dogs’ potential.
What Is the AKC Canine Partners Program?
The Canine Partners Program is the AKC’s initiative to include mixed-breed dogs and dogs of unregistered purebreds in its events and they call them all American dog.

It opens the door for these dogs to participate in a wide range of AKC sports, such as agility, obedience, rally, scent work, and Fast CAT. The program was created to ensure that all dogs, regardless of their lineage, have an opportunity to shine and achieve recognition for their unique skills and abilities.
Once enrolled in the Canine Partners Program, dogs receive an official AKC number, allowing them to compete in events and earn AKC titles, just like their purebred counterparts. This program celebrates inclusivity and emphasizes that every dog, regardless of breed, can achieve greatness.
What Is an All American Dog?
The term All American Dog refers to a mixed-breed dog or a dog whose breed is not officially recognized by the AKC. These dogs often have diverse backgrounds and unique characteristics that set them apart. By including All American Dogs in AKC events, the Canine Partners Program highlights the versatility and individuality of these companions, proving that they are just as capable and deserving of recognition as purebred dogs.
All American Dogs have long been loved for their loyalty, intelligence, and adaptability. Now, with the Canine Partners Program, they can step into the spotlight and showcase their talents on a competitive stage.
AKC Titles for Mixed Breeds
Mixed-breed dogs or All American dogs registered through the Canine Partners Program have the opportunity to compete in a variety of AKC-sanctioned dog sports just as purebred dogs would, showcasing their unique abilities and earning prestigious titles. These sports celebrate the diverse talents of All American Dog, offering something for every canine personality and skill set.

Agility
Agility is a thrilling sport where dogs navigate obstacle courses filled with jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and more. Mixed breeds excel in agility due to their intelligence and athleticism. This sport is perfect for high-energy dogs and builds strong teamwork between dog and handler.
Obedience
Obedience trials test a dog’s ability to follow commands with precision and focus. Mixed-breed dogs can demonstrate their skills through tasks like heeling, retrieving, and completing complex routines. Obedience is ideal for dogs with a strong desire to please and a keen mind for training.
Rally Obedience
Rally Obedience combines elements of obedience with a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Handlers guide their dogs through a course filled with stations, each requiring a specific skill or task. Rally encourages teamwork and is accessible to dogs and handlers of all experience levels.
Fast CAT
Fast CAT (Coursing Ability Test) is a 100-yard dash where dogs chase a lure, testing their speed and enthusiasm. Mixed breeds often thrive in this sport, which highlights their natural athleticism and love for running.
Scent Work
Scent Work allows dogs to tap into their extraordinary sense of smell as they search for hidden scents in various environments. This sport is both mentally stimulating and physically engaging, making it a great option for dogs of all energy levels.
Trick Dog
The Trick Dog program challenges dogs to perform fun and creative tricks, such as jumping through hoops or waving on command. Mixed breeds can earn titles at different skill levels, from novice to advanced, while showcasing their personality and creativity.
Herding
For mixed breeds with herding instincts, AKC herding events provide an opportunity to work with livestock and demonstrate natural abilities. These events are rewarding for both dogs and handlers, fostering a deeper bond through instinctive tasks.
AKC FIT Dog Program
The AKC FIT Dog Program promotes canine fitness through structured activities that keep dogs healthy and active. Mixed breeds can participate in fitness challenges and group walks, earning recognition for their dedication to physical well-being.
And there are so many other dogs sports that all American dog can participate in.
Why Mixed-Breed Dogs or All American Dogs Deserve the Spotlight
Mixed-breed dogs bring a unique combination of qualities to the table, making them just as exceptional as their purebred counterparts. Often blending the best traits from multiple breeds, these dogs are celebrated for their adaptability, intelligence, and athleticism. Their ability to excel in diverse activities stems from their versatility and eagerness to learn, which is why they are such outstanding participants in AKC sports and earn many titles, from easy AKC titles to advanced ones.
The Canine Partners Program provides these incredible dogs with the recognition they’ve always deserved. For years, AKC competitions were limited to purebred dogs, but this program has opened the door for All American Dogs to step into the spotlight. Whether competing in agility courses, obedience trials, or thrilling events like Fast CAT, mixed-breed dogs prove time and again that their potential knows no bounds. The program doesn’t just showcase their abilities; it validates their place in the world of competitive dog sports and fosters inclusivity within the AKC community.
What sets mixed-breed dogs apart is their sheer variety and individuality. Each dog has its own unique combination of traits, whether it’s the speed and precision required for agility, the focus and discipline needed for obedience, or the boundless enthusiasm that shines in Fast CAT. This individuality adds an exciting element to every competition, as handlers discover and develop their dog’s distinct talents. By competing in AKC events, these dogs are not only demonstrating their skills but also proving that greatness isn’t confined to pedigree.
Beyond the competition ring, mixed-breed dogs bring immense value to their handlers and the broader dog sports community. Their ability to adapt to different challenges makes them ideal companions for both novice and experienced handlers. Training and competing with a mixed-breed dog often highlights the incredible bond between dog and handler, showing that success in AKC sports is about teamwork and trust rather than lineage alone.
Earning titles in events like agility, obedience, and Fast CAT provides these dogs with opportunities to shine on a national stage, demonstrating that their talents and achievements are worth celebrating. More importantly, it helps change perceptions and shows that mixed-breed dogs are every bit as capable, competitive, and deserving of recognition as their purebred peers.
In a world where breed standards often dominate the conversation, the Canine Partners Program is a testament to the value of diversity and inclusivity. It reminds us that every dog, regardless of pedigree, has the potential to excel, inspire, and bring joy to those around them. By giving mixed-breed dogs the platform they deserve, the program highlights their unique strengths and encourages more owners to embrace the thrill of competing with their All American Dog.
The Canine Partners Program has revolutionized the world of AKC sports by including All American Dogs in its events. By celebrating the talents and individuality of mixed-breed dogs, this program encourages inclusivity and highlights the remarkable capabilities of every canine companion. Whether your dog is chasing a Fast CAT title or showing off their tricks, the opportunities provided by the Canine Partners Program ensure that every dog has a chance to shine.
If you’ve ever wondered, “What is an All American Dog?”, the answer is simple: it’s a dog with limitless potential, ready to earn titles, make memories, and showcase their unique talents in the exciting world of AKC sports.