Introduction
The American Kennel Club (AKC) dog show is an annual event showcasing the finest purebred dogs from around the United States. The AKC was founded in 1884 and has been holding dog shows and trials since the late 1800s. Today, the AKC dog show is a beloved tradition for dog lovers everywhere.
This article will provide an overview of the 2023 AKC dog show schedule, highlighting the key dates, locations, competitions, and ways to participate. We’ll cover what it takes for dogs and handlers to compete at the highest levels, from grooming and training to the judging process. For those who want to attend the dog show as spectators, we’ll share details on purchasing tickets, the vendor fair, and how to follow along on TV or streaming. From Best in Show to Agility and Obedience, the AKC dog show promises another exciting year for dogs and their humans.
2023 Dates and Locations
The major AKC dog shows in 2023 include:
AKC National Championship: December 16-17 in Orlando, Florida at the Orange County Convention Center (https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-national-championship/)
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: February 13-14 in New York, New York at Madison Square Garden
AKC Agility Invitational: December 15-17 in Orlando, Florida at the Orange County Convention Center
National Dog Show: November 23 (Thanksgiving Day) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
AKC Meet the Breeds: November 18-19 in New York, New York at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
Best in Show Competition
The Best in Show competition is the culmination of each AKC dog show. It brings together the winners of each breed to determine the best dog in the show. To reach Best in Show, a dog must first win its breed class competition, followed by winning the breed competition against other dogs of the same breed. The winners from each breed then compete in their respective groups – Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding. The single dog that is judged Best in each group moves on to the final Best in Show round.
In the Best in Show competition, the seven group winners are evaluated by a panel of judges. The judges assess how closely each dog compares to the breed standard. They evaluate aspects like structure, movement, temperament and presentation. The dog judged best in conformity to its breed standard is awarded Best in Show, the highest prize at a dog show. There is no single breed that has dominated Best in Show throughout history. Terriers held the record for most Best in Show wins until 2020, when the Standard Poodle tied their record.
Winning Best in Show requires extensive training and preparation. It takes dedicated breeding, handling and conditioning to produce a dog that exemplifies perfection for its breed. Preparing for the Elite Best in Show round takes months of training, grooming and conditioning. Handlers meticulously train the dogs to stack and trot flawlessly in the ring. Winning Best in Show is a rare achievement that brings national recognition and esteem.
Notable 2023 Competitors
Some top dogs and breeds expected to compete at the AKC dog show in 2023 include the French Bulldog, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. According to AKC’s list of most popular breeds, the French Bulldog has been the #1 most popular AKC-registered breed for two years in a row. The Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever have consistently ranked in the top 3. Meanwhile, the German Shepherd comes in at #4 on the list.
French Bulldogs saw a dramatic rise in popularity over the last decade, likely due to their fun-loving temperament in a small, portable package. Their batlike ears, compact build, and amusing personalities have captivated many dog lovers. With their surge in popularity, Frenchies are expected to have a strong showing at the 2023 AKC dog show.
Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers remain tried-and-true family favorites, renowned for their friendly nature, trainability, and versatility. Both breeds have historically performed well at AKC conformation shows. Their athleticism and structure make them tough competitors in the Sporting Group.
The noble German Shepherd Dog is revered for its confidence, courage, and capability. This leading working breed has found fans across police forces, the military, and families. The German Shepherd’s strength and sound structure serve it well in AKC competition.
Other top contenders are likely to include the ever-popular Bulldog, Standard Poodle, and Beagle. With high AKC registration numbers and consistent competition placements, these breeds should be ones to watch for at the 2023 AKC National Championship.
How to Enter a Dog
To enter a dog in an AKC dog show, you must first make sure your dog is eligible for entry. According to the AKC, your dog must be an AKC-registered purebred, at least 6 months old on the first day of the show, and cannot be spayed or neutered. Unregistered dogs may enter the Canine Partners program to potentially earn eligibility. For full eligibility details, see the AKC website.
Once your dog is eligible, you can enter them in a show by submitting an official AKC entry form and fee prior to the closing date. Most shows accept online entry through the superintendent’s website, or you can mail in a paper entry form. The standard entry fee is around $30-40 per dog, per show. Additional classes or competition types may incur additional fees. Review the premium list for complete entry details for each specific show.
First-time exhibitors will need to include proof of their dog’s AKC registration on the entry form. There are also special instructions if you are entering as the owner but not the actual handler showing the dog in the ring. See the AKC guide for how to properly complete all sections of the entry form.
How to Attend as a Spectator
Dog shows are exciting events for both exhibitors and spectators. If you’re thinking of attending a dog show, here are some tips to make the most of your experience:
Arrive early to get a good seat – The best viewing spots fill up fast. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time to get settled.
Bring a comfy cushion – There’s often a lot of sitting and standing involved, so bring a cushion or stadium seat for added comfort.
Pack snacks and water – Most shows don’t allow outside food, but snacks and drinks make the day more enjoyable.
Dress for the weather – Bring layers for indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Dog shows happen rain or shine!
Pick up a catalog – Purchase the show catalog to identify competing dogs by breed, name, and owner.
Cheer on your favorites – Feel free to politely cheer for dogs you enjoy watching in the ring.
Some of the most exciting breeds for spectators are the herding, hound, and working dog groups. Crowd-pleasing breeds like Golden Retrievers, Poodles, and Bulldogs are also spectator favorites.
Focus your attention near the center ring where most of the action happens. Things move quickly, so be prepared to see dozens of dogs in a short time.
With an understanding of show logistics and a little preparation, attending a dog show as a spectator can be an unforgettable experience!
TV and Streaming Coverage
The AKC dog shows are broadcast on major television networks as well as streamed online. The three largest AKC dog shows televised each year are:
- The National Dog Show – Aired on Thanksgiving day by NBC. In 2023, it will air on November 23. The National Dog Show can also be streamed on NBC’s website and apps like Hulu Live and YouTube TV.
- The AKC National Championship – Aired on New Year’s Day by ABC. The 2023 edition will air on January 1. It is also available to stream on ABC’s website and app.
- The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Aired in late winter on the FOX network over two days. The 2023 show will take place on February 11-12.
Outside of these major broadcasts, many other AKC dog shows can be viewed live online through AKC.tv. There you can find a full schedule of upcoming and recent dog shows available for streaming.
Judging and Scoring
AKC dog shows have a single judge that evaluates each dog in a specific breed. The judge is selected based on their experience and expertise with that particular breed. There are different judges for each breed at a show. According to the AKC, judges must have a minimum of 12 years experience breeding and showing dogs before they can become an approved judge.
The judging process involves carefully examining each dog and comparing them to the AKC breed standard. The breed standard outlines the ideal characteristics, temperament, structure, and movement for that breed. The judge will evaluate aspects like the dog’s coat, muscles, eyes, teeth, tail, and overall balance and structure. The dog that comes closest to the standard is selected as the winner.
Scoring is based on a point system. Judges allot dogs points ranging from zero to four, four being excellent in that category. Points are given for characteristics related to the breed standard like head shape, coat texture, gait, and more. The dog with the highest total score is awarded first place, known as “Best of Breed.” The runner up is “Best of Opposite Sex.” Group competitions then determine the “Best in Show” winner.
Grooming and Handling
Most dogs that participate in the AKC Dog Show undergo extensive grooming and coat preparation to ensure they reach peak condition for the event. According to the AKC, top show dogs often receive daily grooming for weeks leading up the event. While some breeds require more extensive grooming than others, all dogs must meet the breed standard requirements for coat, nails, ears, and more to compete.
Professional groomers, handlers, and owners use a combination of brushing, trimming, clipping, scissoring and styling to achieve the proper look. For example, Poodles require intensive scissoring and shaping of their show coat which can take hours. Many terrier breeds need hand stripping where dead hairs are plucked to allow new growth. Some breeds’ coats are enhanced with products like coat sprays and chalk. Nails are meticulously filed to an ideal length.
In addition to grooming, dogs must become accustomed to being handled in the ring. Handling is an essential skill for presenting the dog’s best qualities to the judge. Handlers train dogs on gaiting patterns, stacking poses, and responding properly to examination. The American Kennel Club offers various grooming certifications including the Master Groomer program to uphold knowledge and safety standards within the competition grooming industry.
History and Impact
AKC conformation dog shows have a long and storied history dating back to the American Kennel Club’s founding in 1884. The first AKC-sanctioned dog show was held in 1891 at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. In the early 1900s, the AKC established a formal structure for dog show classes including Puppy, Novice, Limit, and Open
. Point systems were also introduced to allow competition across shows.By 1939, AKC dog shows hit their peak popularity with a record of over 4,000 dogs entered at the Morris & Essex show, according to the AKC’s historical records. This demonstrated the growing public enthusiasm for purebred dogs. While show entries decreased during World War II, the number of registered purebred dogs continued rising over the decades. As of 2022, the AKC recognizes over 200 dog breeds.
Today, AKC dog shows continue to have a major impact. They serve as a platform for breeders to showcase dogs meeting exacting breed standards. Shows enable competition between elite dogs and handlers. They also act as a spectacle where dog lovers can witness rare breeds and build community. AKC shows benefit local economies by bringing in tourism dollars from attendees.
