For dogs 8 yrs old or older. Judges look for dogs that are good looking, have great personalities or stand out in some way.
For dogs between 4 months and 1 year old (must have complete set of shots and be spayed or neutered). Judges look for puppies that are really cute, have great personalities or stand out in some way.
Small breed–Dogs up to 25 lbs.
Medium breed–Dogs 25 - 50 lbs..
Large breed–Dogs over 50 lbs.
This category is mostly based on the opinion of the judge(s)… looking for dogs that are good looking and stand out in a crowd.
Judges are looking for dogs with the specified breed in them, mixed with one or more other breeds. They are not looking for dogs that look purebred. They are looking for the best mix of breeds. For instance, the dog looks like a Pit Bull but has the coloring of a Dalmatian… or looks like a Chihuahua but has the body of a Dachshund.
For the dog that wants to make everyone his new best friend. The dog should be enthusiastic about meeting the judge… wagging tail, kisses, jumping on the judge, etc.
For dogs with some sort of disability. Judges look for the dogs that truly stand out, have the most spirit and personality, etc.
Handlers give their dogs to one of the judges and move to the other side of the show ring. When prompted, the judge releases the dog who should run to its owner. Owners may use whatever they want to lure the dog to run quickly towards them. Winners are determined by stop watch. Insecure dogs should not compete in this category
Small breed–Dogs under 40 lbs.
Large breed–Dogs 40 lbs and over
This is for dogs whose breeding is a mystery! Judges will give highest scores for dogs where you can’t determine the mix. In other words… what is that dog?
This category is mostly based on opinion. Judges look for dogs that have ears that they think are really cute, have character or stand out in some way. They could be extra large or super floppy or have good coloring.
Each owner will bring their dog forward to “KISS” the judge. The dogs with the most enthusiastic kisses will win.
Each owner will be given up to 30 seconds to demonstrate basic obedience commands (heel, sit, down, stay, and come) per the judge’s instructions. The judge may provide distractions during the work (clapping hands, whistling, tossing a ball into the air). Judges are looking for dogs that pay attention to their owners and have a speedy response to commands.
Judges vote on the dogs with the best costumes. Extra points for originality.
Judges are looking for dogs with beautiful coats… perhaps long and luxurious or have unique coloring. The fur should look brushed, shiny and healthy.
Each owner will bring their dog forward to demonstrate their dog’s wag. The dog should look very happy. Judges are looking for enthusiastic wagers or dogs with a unique wag.
Contestants will be given orange flags. A bowl of dry dog food (about 1 cup) will be placed in each dog bowl and bowls are then placed in front of each dog. (Contestants may NOT bring their own food.) Handlers must hold their dogs back until the MC announces “GO” and then let the dogs chow down! Handlers raise their flags when their dog has finished all the food.
The owner is allowed to bring any item the dog is crazy about (ball, Frisbee, stuffed toy, etc.). One by one, the owners come forward and are given 20-30 seconds to demonstrate how ball or toy crazy their dog is.
Handlers get 2 opportunities to throw a toy or ball for their dog (the object must pass a designated line) and have the dog retrieve the object back to the owner. The best time of the 2 attempts is recorded by stop watch.
Each owner will be given 30 seconds or so to demonstrate their dog’s trick(s). Owners are allowed to bring props.
Each dog is brought forward so the judge(s) can get a closer view of the dog. In the Final Ring, judges may come down to the arena. They may vote on dogs with great eye color, expressive eyes or interesting markings around the eyes.
Contestants bring their dogs forward one by one for the judge(s) to see. Judges are looking for dogs with beautiful smiles and a happy look on their faces.
Small breed–Dogs under 40 lbs.
Large breed–Dogs 40 lbs and over
This category is meant to be the “perfect mix” between 2 breeds (i.e. coloring of a Border Collie with the body of a Great Dane or looks like a German Shepherd but has short legs like a Corgi). The MC will ask each contestant what breeds make up his/her dog. Judges vote for the dogs that are an obvious mix of 2 breeds or an interesting mix of breeds.
Does your dog have freckles on her face, brindle coloring on her back and stripes on her rear? Okay, that’s a bit far fetched but you get our drift. Judges are looking for unusual markings or markings that set your dog apart!
This is not a category you enter. The winner from each category goes on to compete for Best in Show. Dogs entered in the Purebed Rescue are excluded.