Dog Shows in Iowa

Most dog shows judge how closely each individual dog’s characteristics resemble the breed standard as established by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Judges examine competing dogs to evaluate coat, teeth, bones and muscles. They also watch each dog in motion and award points accordingly. New York's Westminster Dog show in nationally renowned; however, there are also several local and regional dog shows held in Iowa each year.

The Central Iowa Kennel Club meets once a month at the Country Kettle in Newton, Iowa. The club hosts two dog shows every year during the third weekend of January; the show’s superintendent is Jack Onofrio Dog Shows, LLC. Both shows are for all breeds and judge male and female competitors separately. Only one male and one female of each breed can win points toward a championship on each individual day. Show classes include Best of Breed, Winners Dog and Best of Winners. Dogs obtaining 15 points or more are eligible to obtain a championship.

Central Iowa Kennel Club cikc.net

The Tri-City Kennel Club, Inc. takes part in the annual cluster of shows held in early September at the Amana Colonies, along with companion dog shows from groups such as Quad Cities Dog Obedience Club and Cedar Rapids Kennel Association, Inc. The show’s superintendent is Jack Onofrio Dog Shows, LLC. Competitions include conformation, best bred-by-exhibitor and best puppy. Amana, or “The Amana Colonies,” is a large village with a convention center, RV park, space for vendors, restaurants and shopping. The club was established in 1939 with the goal of protecting and advancing the interests of all purebred breeds while encouraging good sportsmanship and competition at dog shows.

Tri-City Kennel Club tricitykennelclub.com

The Des Moines Kennel Club holds its annual “all-breed” dog show over a weekend in September. The show is held indoors at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and is presided over by superintendent Jack Onofrio Dog Shows, LLC. Entries must be received by late August each year. The two-day event is comprised of two all-breed shows, specialty shows, obedience trials and rally trials. The competition is broken into regular classes such as American-bred dogs, puppy dogs, amateur owner-handlers, winners and open class divisions for breeds such as Labrador retrievers and boxers. The club was founded in 1925 with the goal of promoting good health, pleasant temperament and overall quality in purebred dogs. The club also offers health clinics, educational programs and training classes.

Des Moines Kennel Club desmoineskennelclub.com