Border Terrier “Brighty” Wins AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes
ORLANDO, Dec. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CH Meadowlake No More Cloudy Days, a Border Terrier known as “Brighty” triumphed over 1,602 dogs ages six months to 18 months to become the AKC® Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy of the Year, held in Orlando, Fla in conjunction with the AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. “Brighty,” owned and bred by Karen E. Fitzpatrick of Kankakee, IL, was crowned “Puppy of the Year” by an esteemed panel of judges, consisting of Mrs. Rosalind Kramer, Mr. Thomas Coen and Ms. Pluis Davern, after quality canine competition.
Coverage of the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes is available for replay at AKC.tv.
The winners:
Group Winners
After winning Best of Breed competitions, the following top dogs went on to win in their respective groups and compete for Puppy/Junior of the Year:
Sporting: CH Ginkgo Epee Olympic Gold BCAT, a Barbet known as “Epee,” owned by Stacy Able/ Caleb Krieg/Bekah Krieg of Indianapolis, IN and bred by Stacy Able/Denise Katz.
Hound: Flessner's Been There Brewed That, a Bloodhound known as “Dunkin,” owned by J Chrisopoulos, M Michalis, C Flessner, H Buehner of Macomb, MI and bred by Kathleen A Drennan/Heather Buehner/Chris Flessner/Jessica Edwards-Chrisopoulos.
Working: CH Salt Heirs Monster In My Closet, a Portuguese Water Dog known as “Phantom,” owned by Lynn Green of Sudbury, MA and bred by Victoria Gifford/Lynn Green.
Terrier: CH Meadowlake No More Cloudy Days, a Border Terrier known as “Brighty,” owned and bred by Karen E Fitzpatrick of Kankakee, IL.
Toy: Zona Rosa's It Never Entered My Mind, a Havanese known as “Miles,” owned by Maria Elena Pereira, Suzanne Peck, David Stout of North Port, FL and bred by Maria Elena Pereira/David Stout/Suzanne Peck.
Non-Sporting: Canterbury's Farrah Of Crystalline, a Miniature Poodle known as “Farrah,” owned by Jennifer Rodgers & Adam Loiselle & Kevin Smyth of Orleans, ON and bred by Kevin Smyth/Jason Rodger.
Herding: GCHS CH Timeless Go Be Happy, a Miniature American Shepherd known as “Pharrell,” owned by Krista Keel, Karen Keller-Ross, Shaye Denman of Bernice, LA and bred by Karen Keller-Ross.
Click here to download images from the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes.
About the American Kennel Club
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 26,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, scent work, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests.
Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite, the AKC Museum of the Dog, and the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank. For more information, visit www.akc.org.
AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.
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About ROYAL CANIN®
ROYAL CANIN® is part of the Royal Canin Division in the Mars, Incorporated group, and a global leader in Health Through Nutrition for cats and dogs fulfilling its Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. Founded in 1968 by French veterinarian, Dr. Jean Cathary, ROYAL CANIN® designs precise, science-based nutrition for cats and dogs available at pet specialty retailers and veterinary practices worldwide. Over the years, ROYAL CANIN® has pushed the limits of nutrition and knowledge in partnership with pet professionals, including breeders and veterinarians. Its unique business approach puts the nutritional requirements of cats and dogs at the heart of innovation. Pet's age, lifestyle, size, breed, and sensitivities are studied through science and observation to produce diets that meet their specific needs. ROYAL CANIN® generates value not only for pets, but also for people and the planet. This means being mutually beneficial to the ecosystem, empowering Associates, building enduring relationships with stakeholders, and always thinking about how to ensure a viable future for generations to come.
To learn more about ROYAL CANIN®, visit www.royalcanin.com.
Media Contacts:
Brandi Hunter Munden, American Kennel Club- Brandi.Munden@akc.org
Alyssa D’Orazio, Royal Canin – alyssa.dorazio@effem.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f681c226-b717-4ee1-8005-0207a5348163
Best Puppy
The Border Terrier "Brighty" wins Best Puppy at the AKC Royal Canin All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes on December 12, 2025.
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