AKC Dog Show

An AKC dog show is sanctioned by the American Kennel Club, the largest single registry for purebred dogs in the USA. Dog clubs in good standing with the AKC may host up to two AKC sanctioned point shows each year. Dogs who accumulate 15 points in wins at these competitions are awarded their championship status.

Getting Started

To be eligible to participate in conformation classes at an AKC dog show, your canine must be purebred and have an American Kennel Club registration number. If your dog was purchased from an AKC member breeder, you most likely received either a puppy registration or an adult registration certificate at the time of purchase. It is the number from this certificate that you will need to record on an entry form.

To exhibit, your dog must be able to walk on a lead/leash, and stand still for the judge to do a hands-on examination in an effort to determine how close he/she is to the AKC standard of perfection for your breed.

AKC Dog Show Entry Forms

To get on the mailing list for dog shows you can contact your local kennel club, usually found under pet listings in your telephone book, or online if the club maintains a website. Most members will be happy to take you under their wing and show you the ropes.

You can, however, bypass the kennel club and contact an AKC Show Superintendent directly and ask them to add you to their mailing list. Each superintendent handles shows for a certain part of the country, and you may receive premium lists for any region you are willing to travel to.

The premium list entry for each show will give lots of information including:

• Show's date and location/directions
• Amount of the entry fee
• Date entries close
• Names of judges
• Rules and other pertinent info
• One or more entry forms

If you wish to enter, simply fill out all the requested info and return your entry, with payment included, to the address on the entry form or by e-mail if you're entering online. Entries submitted after the closing date will not be accepted. You will receive confirmation of your entry no later than one week before the show date. Because there are many more rules that govern AKC dog shows than can be covered here, it's a good idea to visit The American Kennel Club.

AKC Superintendent Contacts

Beyond the Basics

Now, we have provided you with a bare bones outline of how to get started showing dogs at AKC competitions, but there's so much more you will need to learn. Perhaps the best thing you can do is visit an AKC dog show before you actually enter one. Spend the day watching everything that goes on, from grooming to exhibiting, so you will be familiar with what is expected of both you and your dog. Either you will realize that showing dogs may not be the sport for you, or if you're like most of us, the dog show bug will bite you hard.

If your first dog doesn't turn out to be up to par, don't become discouraged. Many successful dog show exhibitors started out with inferior stock but went on to purchase, exhibit and eventually breed some of the finest dogs in America. Hard work and a willingness to learn may one day get you all the way to Best In Show.