Dog show

A dog show is a competition or display of domestic dogs.

Dog shows range from formal competitions based on the dog's appearance and characteristics, to competitive trials to determine the dog with the best skills and ability, to fun competitions where pet owners and novices are encouraged to participate.

Conformational Dog shows

These shows are a competition that serve the purpose of providing an evaluation of the suitability of animals for breeding. There is a minimum age for puppies, usually they must be at least 6 months old to be entered. De-sexed animals are not eligible, nor are individual dogs that have features specified as disqualifications for the breed.

All-breed shows

The "all-breed" name is a misnomer, because as of 2007, no single club in the world caters for all of the world's identified dog breeds. These shows offer competitions for the breeds and varieties of dogs recognized by the governing kennel club. All-breed shows are the strictect and most formal type of competition and are the type often shown on television.

Specialty shows

These are events run by a breed club which may or may not be affiliated with a large kennel club. These shows are restricted to dogs of a specific breed or to varieties of one breed. For example, the Bulldog Club of America Specialty is for Bulldogs only, but the Poodle Club of America's specialty show includes the three varieties of the Poodle - Standard, Miniature and Toy.

Specialty shows may have a range of classes, from conformation to novelty, they may vary in the degree of formality, and may be run in conjuction with other clubs.

Group shows

are limited to dogs belonging to one of the designated groups. For example, the Potomac Hound Group show features only breeds belonging to the Hound group.