Dog Sports

AKC offers more than 20,000 events each year, and at least one is bound to be closer than you think.

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Here is your first stop to find out if something fun is happening in your area

AKC Events Search

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If you want to attend an AKC event you don't need to do more than show up.  If you'd like to try participating with your dog, you will most likely need to enter in advance either through a superintendent or directly with a secretary for the specific event.  Conformation events usually stop accepting entries about three weeks before the event.  Performance events usually close entries about a week before.

The official term for dog shows is conformation — as in, the act of conforming or producing conformity. While a dog show may look like a beauty pageant, it’s not. Dogs are not being compared to each other; they’re being measured by how closely they conform to the standard of their particular breed.

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Shows can be confusing if you've never been to one.  Here is a link to a basic guide to attending dog shows.

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I also recommend finding the Judging Program in advance. This is the schedule of what breeds will be in what rings at what time.  

Companion sports encompasses lot of activities, with more being added all the time.  These include things you may have heard of (and can watch on YouTube and AKC TV) like Agility and Rally.  Most dogs can play these games, including mixed-breeds (All-American dogs).

Some purpose-bred dogs have innate skills as hunting companions; others assist in the herding of livestock; and others serve as guardians of people and property. Performance sports allow a dog to demonstrate his/her skills for performing practical functions that come naturally. Many performance sports are intended for specific breeds, while others welcome all dogs to participate.