AKC Expands FIT DOG Program with New Bronze, Silver, Gold Titles
The American Kennel Club is sharpening its FIT DOG program with formal Bronze, Silver and Gold titles and clear pathways for owners to log activity, earn recognition, and access resources. The update gives dog owners practical steps to track fitness, form local clubs, and submit documentation through a Title Application Portal, all while emphasizing noncompetitive health benefits.
The AKC FIT DOG program now includes formal Bronze, Silver and Gold titles that owners and dogs can earn by logging points across a range of activity categories. Designed to promote fitness for both dogs and their people, the program offers flexible, noncompetitive pathways that recognize sustained exercise, participation in AKC events, and unique activities such as swimming or parkour.
Owners qualify for a free FIT DOG magnet by meeting simple walking and exercise benchmarks. Two common paths are 30 minutes of exercise five times per week for three months, or ten 15-minute walks per week for three months. Those benchmarks are part of a broader system that awards points for activity on an AKC FIT DOG course, timed runs, group walks and hikes, AKC performance titles tied to fitness, and parent-club performance accomplishments.
To make the process practical for communities, AKC encourages formation and recognition of local FIT DOG Clubs. Clubs run group fitness walks and canine conditioning classes that provide social support, structure and motivation. AKC’s materials include checklists and participant guides to help organizers plan safe, accessible sessions and to document members’ activity for title applications.
Documentation is straightforward. AKC’s FIT DOG pages offer checklists and forms to track activities and a Title Application Portal where completed records can be submitted for Bronze, Silver or Gold consideration. That administrative clarity matters for owners who want recognition for consistent effort without needing competitive event experience.
The program foregrounds safety and sensible progression. Participants are advised to consult their veterinarian before beginning new exercise plans, and activities can be adapted to dogs’ age, breed and current condition. The emphasis remains on improved health and well-being rather than high performance, making FIT DOG suitable for companion animals, beginning runners, and older dogs needing gentle conditioning.
For anyone looking to get started, review the checklists and participant guides on AKC’s FIT DOG pages, consider joining or starting a local FIT DOG Club to build community momentum, and keep consistent records to qualify for the magnet and to pursue Bronze, Silver or Gold titles. The program provides a clear, community-focused route to making regular activity a shared goal for dog owners and their pets.
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