The first question you must ask yourself is "Do I have a showable dog?" Just so I don't have to repeat myself, more than necessary, go read So You Want to Show ( Use your "back" button to return to this page!).
Next, you need to familiarize yourself with the various types of dog shows in the US. Go read The ABCs of Dog Shows ( Again, be sure to use your back button so you don't get lost.)
Next, get yourself a free copy of AKCs Rules for Dog Shows. ( You can write and ask for one; AKC, 51 Madison AV, New York, NY 10010) You can ask for a copy by email or read them - Rules for Dog Shows ( Back buttons, please)
Still anxious to get started? Now, you need someone to help with the basics - how to "stack" your dog....that means to pose the dog for the judge so they get the best "picture" of him, and how to "gait" the dog for the judge so they get to see the movement of the dog....all this to obtain a mental picture of how well your dog conforms to it's standard of perfection. Ever read your breed's standard? Find in at the AKC site - Dog Breed Standards ( Ahem, back button - don't forget)
Most local kennel clubs - the folks who put on the shows in your town or area - have training classes several times a year or they may recommend a club member who is willing to work with you on the basics of showing. You can find a list of kennel clubs who put on AKC shows by going to AKC Geographical Club Listings ( Don't forget that back button....).
Okay, now let's assume you have gone to classes and a progressing quite well......How do you enter a show?
There are people who make a living by putting on shows for clubs. They are called superintendents and they are licensed by the AKC to do just that. Many of them have their own websites where you can look up the upcoming shows ( called a "Premium List") which tells where the show is, when the closing date is ( shows generally close 3 weeks BEFORE the show date.), who is judging your breed and other information. You can request a premium list by emailing or if someone gives you and entry blank, you can write the name and date of the club show, fill it out and send it in. Once you've entered a show, premium lists usually start arriving in the mail. You can also pick up premium lists for upcoming shows at a show.
Here are several dog show superintendents with websites:
Or you can obtain these and others' snail mail addresses at AKC Licensed Superintendents
So now you know the basics
of how to find a show and where to find the information and help, but what
do you fill out on the premium list? How does a dog qualify for a championship?
What is put in a catalog and what does it mean? To find out just go on
to the next page....... Filling
out an Entry blank