A dog show is an excellent, inexpensive outing for the whole family. Whether you want to spoil your furry friend or just meet other dog owners who love their pets as much as you do in Pennsylvania State, there’s no better place to bring your four-legged friend than a dog show event. You may love to attend any of the top five dog shows in Pennsylvania listed in this article.
At any of these events, you’ll meet and have the chance to chat with hundreds, maybe even thousands, of dog lovers like you. And since humane societies profit from dog shows, attending one is a generous way to help homeless pets too. In addition, dog shows benefit your local economy, according to the AKC. For example, the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine has benefited from the Kennel Club of Philadelphia dog shows.
1. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia's National Dog Show
One of the three most prestigious dog shows in the United States is the KC of Philadelphia's National Dog Show, along with the Westminster Dog Show and the AKC National Championship. The two benched, all-breed dog shows, held in "The City of Brotherly Love," help raise funds for a variety of canine-related causes. At the shows, dog lovers will watch Breed, Best In Show judging in addition to top agility and performance dogs.
The two-day show with separate and distinct dog show each day holds at Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, US. However, bringing your own dog to the show is not allowed. In addition, strollers and service dogs are also not allowed. The 2023 National Dog Show dates are November 18-19, 2023. Tickets will start selling in June. It is also worth knowing that Philadelphia is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States.
Ticket prices:
- Adults: $16
- Children age 4-12: $7
- Children age 3 and under: Free
- Website: The KCP
2. Lebanon County Kennel Club Dog Show
The Lebanon County Kennel Club (LCKC) Dog Show is held each year and showcases beautiful purebred dogs in conformation and other special activities. During this family-friendly show, dog enthusiasts will see more than 195 different breeds of dogs with their owners or handlers. While some breeds may look familiar to you, some may be completely new. In addition to its confirmation shows, the LCKC also offers National Owner-Handled Series, All-breed Puppy Competitions, and Canine Good Citizen and AKC Trick Dog Testing. The show is usually held at Pennsylvania State Farm Show Building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Ticket prices:
- Adults: $5
- Under 18 years of age: Free
- Parking fee: $15
- Website: LCKC
3. Valley Forge Kennel Club Dog Show
The Valley Forge Kennel Club (VFKC) is an associate of the American Kennel Club located in southeastern Pennsylvania. VFKC is taking dog shows to the next level with its annual dog shows event held each December at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. At this event, you will enjoy an All-breed conformation show, Junior Showmanship, Obedience Trial (open to All-American dogs), 2 Rally Trials, Scent Work Trial, and Health Clinics. Visit
VFKC's website for more info.
4. Erie Kennel Club Dog Show
The Erie Kennel Club holds All-Breed Dog Shows, Obedience and Rally Trials each year at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. At this two-day family-friendly event, dog lovers will see different dog breeds and select a suitable furry friend for their family. During the "Meet the Breeds" show, dogs will showcase their various sports abilities, which were taught to them. You will enjoy this fun-filled event with your canine best friend. Visit the
EKC's website for their 2023 upcoming dog show.
5. Bucks County Kennel Club Dog Show
Bucks County Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show offers hundreds of dogs and their owners the opportunity to strut their stuff in the show ring. The admission fee is $5. However, only dogs that are entered in competitions are allowed on show grounds. Dog enthusiasts will enjoy watching the judging of various breeds in Conformation. You will be amazed by dogs' ability to follow commands, maneuver hurdles and retrieve items with Rally. Visit the club's
Facebook page to stay up to date on their 2023 schedules.
Dogs unquestionably have a positive impact on their owners' lives. Attending or participating in a dog show is an excellent way to enhance your knowledge about the joys and responsibilities of dog ownership and choose the right breed of dog for your family.
