Question of the Week

Bo Bengtson

Ojai, California

Santa Barbara Kennel Club! No, it isn’t as big and beautiful as it used to be in the distant past when it was held at UCSB, but memories linger, and on Sunday, when the show moves down into the “oval,” with brought-in turf, beautiful decorations and a stunning trophy table, there’s more than a whiff of the show’s past glory. It always amazes me that they don’t get even more entries than they do: What other show gives all exhibitors and handlers a free dinner and tries so many interesting judging experiments — Breeder’s Showcase, Bullygangza, Sighthound Spectacular, Best Foreign-Bred Dog, etc.?

Tuni Conti

Oxford, Connecticut

For sure, the Vermont circuit in July. Beautiful site, fabulous club members and great entertainment!

Peggy Kenney

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

My all-time favorite is the Chickadee Cluster in Cumberland, Maine. Six shows over four days. No matter the issue (weather, judges, etc.), they handle it well — with a smile and great attitude. Been attending for many years, and each show seems to be nicer from an exhibitor perspective.

Their judges are exceptional in demeanor and attitude. This year was truly a challenge from excessive heat, thunderstorms and then MORE heat. They judged LONG assignments — always with a smile — even happy to get out of the shade for a win picture. Exhibitors were wonderful, supporting and helping competitors when many hands were needed. I also liked that, since it is a small show, half the tent was for the rings, back half was for grooming. Already on my calendar for next year, God permitting. 

Brian Clegg

Cincinnati, Ohio

Any part of the Idaho Montana Circuit. Great people, beautiful locations.

Adrian Woodfork 

Sacramento, California

I feel all the clubs try hard to do a good job putting on shows. Being a show chair is not easy. I’ve enjoyed myself at all the shows because I make it a point to surround myself with fun-loving people. But since I breed Dobermans, I have to say the “Doberman Extravaganza” that is held in the Northwest is my heart show of the summer. There are five specialties held over three days, including a Doberman Pinscher Club of America regional. The show is held at the hotel. Plus, the drive from Sacramento to Portland was spectacular. I-5 is a scenic wonderland. I hope to go every year!

Amy Kiell-Green

Reading Township, New Jersey

Vermont show circuit in Tunbridge, Vermont.

Shelley Hennessy 

Toledo, Ohio 

Definitely the Ann Arbor shows in Monroe, Michigan!

Friday there are numerous specialty and group shows. Ann Arbor Kennel Club has all-breed shows on Saturday and Sunday. And this year Livonia Kennel Club joined for Monday and Tuesday shows.

There are rally and obedience shows every day, and they’re held indoors in air conditioning. The Toy breeds are in this building also, and some Terriers and Non-Sporting.

Outside there are beautiful, large grass rings.

There are numerous vendors and food trucks!

Linda Flynn

Scituate, Massachusetts

Why, Ladies’ Dog Club, Inc., in Wrentham, Massachusetts, in June — the 22nd week, of course!  Beautiful grounds, with white tents bearing the LDC red flags, red and white flowers and decorations, and all the members dressed in red and white, as well as many judges, workers and spectators. We welcome independent specialties and the New England Sporting Group shows on Friday. Next year we will be hosting the AKC NOHS Regional Event on Friday as well, and possibly a new group show or two! The Junior entry is free if entered in another class, and our Junior Coordinator put together an educational and fun scavenger hunt!  We’re also working to establish a scholarship for Juniors — donors are invited to contribute and receive a red heart pin, because we love Juniors!  We also offer two days of 4 to 6 Puppy and NOHS competition. Come join the fun in 2025! 

My second favorite end-of-summer shows are the South Shore Kennel Club on Cape Cod in September. A lot of concurrent and designated specialty shows, great food vendor – J&J – two days of 4 to 6 Puppy and NOHS competition, dock diving, four days of obedience and rally, two days of Trick Dog and CGC testing, Junior show with free entry if entered in a regular class.

Charles Olvis and Liz Muthard

Lake Wales, Florida

I guess Liz and I are biased, but we think the Penn Ridge/Huntingdon Valley weekend is the best, not only for the show — which offer Fast CAT, dock driving and course great dogs and exhibitors — but on Saturday night we have our Penn Ridge Kennel Club charitable foundation party. We feed everyone who attends, bring in a DJ — Wally Sommerfelt — and have casino night with black jack, five-card stud … you name it, we have it. You play on the tables, win money, then turn play money in for raffle tickets. Then at the end of the night, you put your ticket into a basket for a chance to win great prizes, usually around 50. The last drawing of the night is for $5,000.

Marlene Keene

Elk Grove, California

Woofstock, held in Vallejo, California.

Desi Murphy

Monroe, New York

Santa Barbara!

Doug Johnson

Bloomington, Indiana

I have a soft spot for the Lorain County Kennel Club shows in Oberlin, Ohio. They are beautifully done, small and host several specialties without being too much for exhibitors to handle. There is plenty of shade and a smaller college town with a great vibe. The details of the show committee have made that summer show stand out to me for sure.  

Karen Mull

Lititz, Pennsylvania

Mid Susquehanna Kennel Club in Middleburg, Pennsylvania. They have the best food of any dog show I have ever been to, made by the local fire company. The location is great as long as it is not raining. High up in the Pennsylvania mountains, plenty of parking, and rings are usually flat with no holes.

Abbe R. Shaw

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara Kennel Club (and cluster), of course! If you haven't joined the festivities before, this would be a great year to come and enjoy the shows and the Breeder’s Showcase, Bullygangza and Sighthound Spectacular on Saturday and Sunday. There is also Foreign Bred Competition on Thursday after the Simi Valley Kennel Club show to start the four-day event.