Visit a Conformation show to see hundreds of dogs groomed to the max and striking a well-trained pose. If you want to exhibit your AKC-registered dog, too, you’ll find several types of shows to enter.
Conformation events range from prestigious annual competitions showcasing thousands of top-winning dogs to smaller shows frequently offered for adorable 4 to 6-month puppies. Contact your local kennel club and dog show superintendent for specific show information and instructions on how to enter your dog before the show. As dogs are judged in separate classes, ask your breeder what class to enter your dog in.
In the meantime, here is a rundown on the types of shows dogs you may be eligible to enter:
The Famous and Fancy
The AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin, takes place in Orlando, Florida, every December. In February, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Purina Pro Plan, takes place in New York City. One televised dog show that many people have heard of is the National Dog Show presented by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia on Thanksgiving Day, which is sponsored by Purina Pro Plan.
Although you may have seen these exciting shows on your home screen, consider making your novice debut at these events as a spectator rather than an exhibitor. These shows are highly competitive, with dogs entering from throughout the U.S., all vying for the top prize. And since the Westminster show only permits champions, you can’t qualify to enter this one until your dog has earned the requisite 15 points for champions.
Benched Show
When the first dog exhibition in the United States debuted in Chicago, Illinois, in 1874, it was a benched show. Instead of showing inside the ring and leaving after judging, dogs needed to stay all day on-site in a designated area or “bench” for the event. This allowed spectators to see the dogs up close and talk to their breeders or owners about them. Today, only the Westminster and Kennel Club of Philadelphia shows are benched shows.
“Bench shows were a great interface between breeders and spectators, as they gave spectators the opportunity for a more in-depth conversation about a breed and its suitability for their family,” says all-breed professional handler Bill McFadden of Acampo, California. “They also offered a chance to exchange contact information.”
Today’s venues are smaller than they once were to host a benching area. “The advent of Meet the Breeds either in conjunction with shows or separately have helped fill the void with breed clubs presenting information booths supplying breed history and opportunities to see breeds and talk to their representatives,” McFadden says. “Both are great events, providing a suitable venue.”
Unbenched Show
Unbenched shows represent the remainder of dog shows today. Exhibitors can show their dogs at the appointed time and leave when their breed judging is complete. You may remain for the day to watch other dogs win or lose. You’ll meet new friends and learn about new breeds and what judges are looking for, plus pick up valuable show tips.
All-Breed Show
All-breed shows are open to all AKC-recognized breeds and sponsored by local kennel clubs. When filling out the dog show entry form, make sure all the information is correct, and you enter your dog in the correct class.
National Breed Club Specialty
This is another large, prestigious dog show that often lasts several days. Some parent clubs hold their national specialty in the same city every year, while others rotate to different parts of the U.S. Sponsored by the parent club, it is limited to only one breed. This show draws breeders, owners, and handlers from the U.S. and sometimes other countries who bring their top dogs and check out potential mates for future breeding.
Attending with or without your dog is a great way to learn about the breed, meet breeders and owners passionate about their breed, and see the best dogs from other areas. Many national specialties offer educational and health seminars, along with performance competitions. A win at the national is the highest achievement for a person with a long history in a breed.
Novice exhibitors are welcome to attend and show their dogs. If possible, arrange to meet your breeder there to introduce you to friends and other breeders and help you show off your dog to look and act its best.
Local Specialty
Breed clubs host shows in their local designated areas of the U.S. once or twice a year, held either in conjunction with an all-breed event or as a stand-alone event. Although not as many dogs will enter as you encounter at a national show, a regional specialty won is valued highly. Some exhibitors enjoy traveling and entering their dogs in other regional specialties outside their areas. Seeing dogs from other regions allows breeders to exchange ideas and knowledge about health, care, training, and breeding with other breeders. New exhibitors are always welcome to show their dogs at regional specialties.
Group Show
These shows are held in a regional area and are limited to dogs belonging to one of the seven AKC Groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. The shows are open to all classes, from puppies to adult dogs and Champions.
Shows Within a Show
At first glance, the premium list may look confusing as there are many classes to enter your dog. It’s no wonder that most new exhibitors easily become confused.
AKC Owner-Handled Series
This is a non-titling competition for dogs shown by owners who are not professional handlers. When filling out the entry form at an all-breed show, exhibitors must indicate their dog is Owner-Handled eligible. Dogs who enter the Amateur-Owner-Handler class at every all-breed show are automatically eligible to compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series held at the AKC National Championship.
Junior Showmanship
Junior Showmanship is a competition within a dog show. In this competition at all-breed, national, and regional specialty shows, only juniors ages 9 to under 18 are eligible to enter with their dogs. It focuses on responsibility, sportsmanship, and perseverance. Rather than the dog’s adjudication, juniors are judged solely on their handling skills.
The dogs do not receive championship points, but the juniors accumulate points toward a national Junior Showmanship competition at the AKC National Championship and Westminster Kennel Club Show. All-breed, national, and regional specialty club shows offer Best Junior Competitions.
Pee Wee
Some all-breed, national parent club, and regional shows offer a Pee Wee class special attraction for children and their dogs as a fun way to include them in the show. The non-competitive event is open to children 5 to 9 years old. It encourages children interested in showing their dogs who may want to advance to Junior Showmanship later. Some shows allow children younger than 5 to show a stuffed dog.
FSS Open Show
Some all-breed shows offer classes for all Miscellaneous and FSS breeds. This FSS Open Show is specifically for dogs registered under the AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS) program. In this relaxed competition, owners and dogs 4 months and older can earn Certificate of Merit points. While these points do not qualify for a championship title, competing is a great way for novice exhibitors and their dogs to sharpen their training skills and prepare to compete for a championship when they become a recognized breed.
Aimee Parramore Kincaid, president of the Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America, remembers what it was like to enter her dog “Tchotchke,” Quicksilvers Charmed Glass of Ice Wine, in FSS Open Shows. “We traveled to many shows to earn the Certificate of Merit because there weren’t many in our breed competing,” says Kincaid. “Ultimately, it was all worthwhile because on January 1, 2025, Danish-Swedish Farmdogs will become the newest AKC breed.”
Regardless of where you enter your dog, plan on enjoying the journey. The camaraderie with other people who share your canine passion and the chance to spend quality time with your dog makes all the training, grooming, preparation, and travel worthwhile.