Who Can Participate?

Dogs ages 4 months and older on the day of the event are eligible to participate in Open Shows, excluding conformation champions. FSS and Miscellaneous breeders are eligible to compete and earn points towards the Certificate of Merit. Group and Specialty clubs (other than those for Miscellaneous Breeds) must restrict their competition to the breeds they were formed to serve. Miscellaneous Breeds have the option to offer competition for only their breed or for all FSS breeds (including those eligible for the Miscellaneous Classes).

Professional handlers are not permitted to exhibit in Open Shows. Professional handlers are defined as any person who belongs or has belonged to a professional handlers’ organization, distributed rate cards, or otherwise advertised or represented themselves as handling dogs for pay.