12/30/2025
So you want to show dogs in 2026? Let’s learn how!
If this is something you’re interested in, the first thing I usually recommend is going to watch a dog show in person. Spectator are welcome and ENCOURAGED at Dog Shows! Really getting to see a show for yourself helps everything else start to make sense. It can be a lot when you first experience it!
Let’s start this series with “How do I find a dog show” 🫶🏼
A good place to start is the event search on the American Kennel Club website. It’s designed to list AKC events by location and date and includes conformation as well as sports. If you’re brand new and just trying to see what’s happening within driving distance, it’s a helpful overview.
A lot of exhibitors also use InfoDog.com because it lists a very large percentage of AKC conformation shows and is easy to scan by state or weekend (and as you get more advanced you can search shows by Judges and see results as well). It doesn’t have every single event, but in practice it functions like a master list for many people.
You’ll also hear people talk about “checking the superintendent calendars.” That’s because different kennel clubs use different management companies for their shows. Some of the most common AKC superintendents you’ll see are:
• InfoDog
• Onofrio Dog Shows
• MB-F, Inc.
• Rau Dog Shows
• BaRay Event Services
• Foy Trent Dog Shows
• Jack Bradshaw Dog Shows
And more.
Depending on where you live, some of these will be more relevant than others, which is why people who show dogs regularly tend to check more than one place. (As you go, you’ll learn which ones are most commonly in your region)
Keep in mind, It’s also normal to have to travel a bit. Most people don’t have dog shows happening right in their town, and driving a couple of hours just to go watch for the day is very typical. It’s how we “See the World” one fairgrounds, Starbucks and truck stop at a time.
If you’ve been curious about showing dogs but weren’t sure where to start, going to watch a show is a really easy first step. Walk around, watch different breeds, sit ringside for a while, and get a feel for it. There are also vendors with lots of fun dog products that you won’t find at a pet store!
If this series is helpful, feel free to share it with a friend who’s been curious about dog shows, and follow along as I keep breaking things down.
