Discover Dog Shows in Michigan: A Guide for Participants

Michigan is home to a thriving dog show scene, with events taking place throughout the state. The Michigan Kennel Club (MKC) is one of the largest and most prominent dog show organizations in the state.

The MKC hosts several dog shows each year, including the prestigious Detroit Kennel Club Dog Show, which attracts top breeders and handlers from across the country. This show is a great opportunity for participants to network and learn from the best in the industry.

To participate in a dog show in Michigan, you'll need to register your dog with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and obtain a dog show catalog. The AKC website provides a comprehensive guide to registering your dog and finding upcoming dog shows in the state.

Michigan's dog shows typically take place in the spring and summer months, with the peak season being June and July. This is a great time to get your dog show-ready and take advantage of the state's many dog-friendly venues.

Discover more: State of Michigan Dog License

The Detroit Kennel Club show is happening on Saturday and Sunday, June 20–21, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.

You can catch the breed judging action starting at 9 a.m. both days. The judging program will have the exact breed ring times, so be sure to check it out.

A new-exhibitor briefing will be held on Saturday at 12 noon at the Superintendent's desk, and spectators are welcome to attend.

Tickets can be purchased at the Take The Lead booth at the show on Saturday.

The show will have special events area activities from 9 to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, featuring Barn Hunt Trials from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you're interested in weight pulling, it's happening on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a weigh-in at 12 p.m. and the pull beginning at 1:15 p.m.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) will be hosting a Junior Showmanship presentation, where current and future participants can receive individual instruction from AKC registered professional handlers.

For the most up-to-date information, be sure to check the DKC Dog Show's Facebook page during the event.

For another approach, see: Best Time to Breed a Dog

Michigan has a thriving dog show scene, with various locations hosting events throughout the year. If you're looking to participate in dog shows in Michigan, here are some locations to consider.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has several locations in Michigan where you can participate in dog shows. Some of the AKC locations include Cedar Rock SportsPlex in Cedar Springs, Kalamazoo KC Building in Kalamazoo, and MSA Sports in Kentwood.

Cedar Springs, in particular, has two AKC locations: Cedar Rock SportsPlex and Cedar Rock Sports Plex. Other AKC locations in Michigan include Lansing, Lapeer, Midland, Novi, Whitmore Lake, and Williamston.

In addition to AKC locations, Michigan also has UKI (United Kennel Club) locations. The UKI locations include Grand Blanc, Lapeer, and Midland.

Here are some specific AKC locations in Michigan:

And here are some specific UKI locations in Michigan:

Typically, AKC trials are held year-round in Michigan, almost every weekend.

Starting a dog show journey can be as simple as attending a local event with your pet.

Clyde was 10 weeks old when his owner Gibson paid about $3,000 to adopt him from Stonecroft Kennels in Virginia.

You don't need to be a seasoned dog owner or breeder to get started. Gibson's friend invited her to a local dog show in Novi, which sparked her interest in competitive dog showing.

The first step is to attend a match, a dog show-like event where dogs don't receive points for winning. Gibson and Clyde attended a match in early 2021, which was a great way to get a feel for the competition.

It's okay if your dog doesn't win right away. Gibson and Clyde didn't win their first two dog shows, but they kept going and even signed up for a class at the Sportsmen's Dog Training Club of Detroit.

With practice and patience, you can improve your skills and compete in dog shows. Gibson and Clyde now compete in two to three weekend shows a year.

Take a look at this: Local Dog Shows