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Northwest ArkansasKennel Club

Founded 1961

About the club

The Northwest Arkansas Kennel Club is an American Kennel Club member club. It has run licensed events in Northwest Arkansas since 1961, and everything it puts on is organised by members who compete in the sport themselves.

Our mission

The club exists to advance and preserve all breeds of purebred dogs, and to hold the events where that work is judged in public. That has meant conformation shows since the early years, and in the decades since it has grown to cover performance and companion sports as well.

As an AKC member club, NWAKC runs licensed events under AKC rules, and its members agree to abide by those rules and by the club's own constitution and by-laws. The club has adopted written standards for sportsmanship and for interactions with junior handlers, both of which are published on this site.

Club documents and resources

  • The advancement and preservation of all breeds of purebred dogs.

  • Sportsmanship, integrity and excellence in dog shows, lure coursing, obedience trials and other events.

  • Responsible dog ownership and breeding.

What the club does

Five kinds of event, run across Northwest Arkansas through the year. Anyone with an eligible dog can enter, and spectators are welcome at all of them.

  • Fast CAT

    A timed 100-yard dash where dogs chase a lure in a straight line

  • Scent Work

    Dogs find a hidden target odour and tell their handler where it is

  • Coursing Ability

    A pass-or-fail chase over a lure course, open to every breed

  • Obedience and Rally

    Two scored sports built on the same handler and dog teamwork

  • April Show

    The club's all-breed conformation show

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month and visitors are welcome. Dates are on the calendar.

Officers and directors

Elected by the membership. The Secretary receives membership applications; general questions can go to the club address.

Officers

President
Jordan Koch
Vice-President
Nodie Williams
Secretary
Suzanne Miller
Treasurer
Christina Wagner

Directors

  • DirectorJessica Tuell
  • DirectorAshli Draney
  • DirectorLaurie Telfair

Join the club

Prospective members attend three meetings before filing an application, so the first step is simply coming to one. Members put on the events, steward the rings and vote on how the club is run.