Things to Do
There are many activities for dog lovers of all ages at the Great American Dog Show. Get your tickets today!
Dog Show Conformation Competition
It all starts in the breed rings that morning…Great dogs from across the country, some from around the world, meet head on. For some, the day ends there, but for others, it’s just beginning as they hoist the coveted Best of Breed ribbon high and start preparing to compete in one of seven groups later in the day, and from there, the final seven face off in the Best in Show ring. Will it be the top dog? Or maybe a dark horse? From thousands of great dogs, to hundreds, to seven, until just one dog stands alone, undefeated: Best in Show!
AKC Dog Performance Demos
Cheer as dogs race around an agility course, leap for flying Frisbees, run a relay race, sniff out hidden objects, and perform amazing tricks! How do they do that? Learn what it takes to prepare dogs for different activities. Interact with veterinarians, groomers and trainers to learn upkeep, grooming and training secrets you can use with your dog at home! Maybe your dog will be the next star! Sit. Stay. Jump. Race. It’s more than just a beauty contest. Watch amazing displays of agility as dogs leap, climb, tunnel and soar along a complicated obstacle course as they race the clock for the fastest time. Ever see a doggy relay race? It’s the loudest 20 seconds in dogs, as teams of dogs race over hurdles to catch a flying ball and back again. And for those who really have a need for speed, it’s FastCAT, a drag race for every dog! Root for your favorite—and maybe your dog could be one of them next year.
Meet the Breeds by AKC
Have you ever met a Mastiff? Petted a Puli? Wondered about a Whippet? Here’s your chance to get up close and personal with nearly 200 different breeds, from Affenpinschers to Yorkshire Terriers and everything in-between. Make friends with canine curiosities like the mop-coated Komondor, the hairless Xoloitzcuintli, the stilt-legged Azawakh and the double-jointed Lundehund. Meet regal Borzois, humongous Tibetan Mastiffs, towering Great Danes and tiny Chihuahuas. You may discover the dog of your dreams!
Rare Breeds Open Show
The Great American Dog Show continues to spotlight endangered breeds! Many of these breeds are teetering on extinction. If you’re thinking about a new dog—one you won’t see on every street corner—why not help rescue a rare breed from the brink of oblivion?
Kid’s Corner and Special Events
Kids love dogs! But they also love face-painting, bouncy houses and a chance to play dog show handler themselves! Our experts will guide them in a mock dog show where they can “show” their stuffed pooch and even win ribbons!
Vendor Village/Great American Dog Show Stores
Don’t forget the swag! Jackets, shirts, caps, and all sorts of iconic GADS-branded goods. Be sure to bring something home to your friends!
Exhibitor Dog Grooming
Vet and Expert Talks
Dock Diving
Private Group Tours
