Whether or not you are a dog owner, a dog show is one of the wholesome events to attend in Florida. For dog enthusiasts in the United States, dog shows offer a more practical purpose: breed awareness. At the event, people show dogs for both fun and the evaluation of quality breeding stock so as to maintain the integrity of the breed.
As a dog owner, you will have the opportunity to discover your breed's hidden talents as well meet other dog owners who are as crazy about their pets as you are. As a non-dog owner, you might discover the dog breed that matches your lifestyle at a dog show. Most importantly, money raised at dog show events is used to help animals in need. So, by attending a dog show, you are technically helping animals in need. That said, below are some dog shows to attend in the state of Florida in 2024.
1. North FL Classic Cluster
The North FL Classic Cluster is an annual American Kennel Club conformation show which will be held from February 21-25, 2024 at the North Florida Fair Grounds, 441 Paul Russell Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32301, United States. Ochlockonee River Kennel Club partners with Okaloosa Kennel Club and the Greater Panama City Dog Fanciers Association to create the North Florida Classic Cluster. At the event, you will watch dogs jump, leap, weave, tunnel, and teeter, as directed by their handler. There is a $10 per car/walk-in entrance fee and bleachers are available for seating. Visit the Ochlockonee River Kennel Club's website for more information.
2. Gainesville Walkathon
Mark your calendars for Gainesville Walkathon, a free dog-friendly party that will be held on April 6, 2024, 9 AM, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Florida. You can bring your dog to the party, which will feature lively music, delicious food, vendor and sponsor booths, an exciting raffle drawing, and much more. Visit Southeastern Guide Dogs' website for more info.
3. Sunshine Spring Sieger
The Sunshine Spring Sieger is a two-day conformation show that will be held on April 20 and 21 (Saturday and Sunday), 2024 at Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Rd Brooksville, FL 34602. The event will feature two shows per day, each of which will be under a different judge. Both adult dogs and puppies will perform at the event. Visit the Sunshine Spring Sieger's official website for more info.
4. MarrVelous Pet Rescues' Happy Hour
Mark your calendars for MarrVelous Pet Rescues' Happy Hour, a dog-friendly event that is held on the first Thursday of every month in Key Largo, FL. However, you have to be on the lookout for their monthly location as it changes monthly. You can bring your leashed and well-behaved dog to the event, where you can socialize with both two and four-legged friends. For more info, please refer to the calendar below or visit the event's page.
5. Brandon Florida Kennel Club Dog Show
Mark your calendars for the Brandon Florida Kennel Club Dog Show, a dog-friendly event that will be held at Florida Strawberry Festival, 2508 W Oak Ave, Plant City, FL, on October 26 and 27, 2024. For more info, contact the show's secretary, Christine Perry, at chrisperry767@gmail.com.
6. Blessing of the Animals
Mark your calendars for Blessing of the Animals, a dog-friendly event that is held every year at St. Dunstan's Anglican Church in Largo, FL. This year's event is scheduled for October 7, 2024, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Admission is free and you can bring your precious canine to be blessed at this outdoor event, where there will be food and drinks, as well as games for you to enjoy. For more info and directions, visit the event's website.
7. Treasure Coast Kennel Club Dog Shows
The Treasure Coast Kennel Club will be hosting an annual AKC All Breed Show on November 7 and 8, 2024, at the Greater Ocala Dog Club show grounds in Ocala, FL. The club will also be hosting two Agility Trials at the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds in Fort Pierce, FL, on OCTOBER 11-13, 2024 and NOVEMBER 1-3, 2024, respectively. Visit the Treasure Coast Kennel Club's event page for more info.
More Dog Shows in Florida 2024
- STCTB Specialty Show: May 17, 2024 at World Equestrian Center Ocala, FL
- National Specialty for the NMDC: April 25, 2024 at the South Florida Fairgrounds
