Frequent Asked Questions
Beginner’s Guide to Dog Shows
The American Kennel Club website is a great place to learn more about dog shows. Here’s a Beginner’s Guide to all about dog shows. (www.akc.org/events/conformation/beginners.cfm )
Why should I attend the show?
To be entertained
You've seen them on television at the AKC Invitational Dog Show, at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show from New York, or at Kennel Club of Philadelphia dog show at Thanksgiving. Here’s your chance to see them live and in person. The Lone Star State Classic Dog Shows are the only All-Breed AKC Dog Shows in Dallas all year long. For only $8, you can spend an entire day admiring thousands of beautiful dogs and shopping the vendor booths. With more than 150 different breeds from all across the United States, you’ll not want to miss this great opportunity to attend one of the oldest sporting events in the country – an AKC dog show. It’s for everyone in the family.
To be educated
Ever wonder about what a particular breed of dog looked like? Here is your chance to see that breed up close and talk with people that have raised them for years. Wander through the grooming areas and talk with the handlers and owners. However tempting, do not pet a dog without asking for permission first. The dog may have just been groomed in preparation for being judged. Also please remember that the handlers and owners are at the LSSC to show their dogs in the competition. They may be in a hurry or rushed due to time constraints. Please ask them first if they have time to talk with you about the dog. Your patience is greatly appreciated.
When during the day should I plan to attend?
On Thursday, there will be Breed Specialities. You will need to check the starting times for any particular breed that you are interested in watching.
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, each day will be an All-Breed event. Breed judging will begin at 8:00 am and continue until sometime after lunch. You will need to check the Judging Program or when a particular breed will be judged. For example, the breed you most want to see may be judged at 9:15 on Friday, 1:30 pm on Saturday, and 11:00 on Sunday. Be sure to check the judging program for the correct day. Each afternoon, the Group Judging will begin where all of the Best of Breed or Variety winners will compete to go on to the Best in Show competition at the very end of the show. The starting time of Group Judging for each day will also be in the Judging Program. The Group and Best in Show competition will last approximately 3 to 3½ hours. This is the competition that you typically see on most of the television broadcasts. So, come and enjoy your day at the Lone Star State Classic dog shows.
What should I wear?
Be comfortable, especially shoe wear. The building is completely air-conditioned, so don’t worry about the heat. People showing their dogs will be dressed appropriately to compete in the show rings.
May I bring my dog?
The competitions are only for dogs that have been pre-entered. No un-entered dogs are allowed. So, please leave your pet at home.
Can I buy a puppy or dog at the show?
We do not allow dogs to be sold or adopted at the show. We do encourage you to try and meet reputable breeders at show or visit the numerous rescue societies and clubs in the region and make an appointment to either purchase or adopt a dog.