Dog Shows in Florida

Throughout the year, Florida is home to numerous dog shows hosted by clubs sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Among the AKC-registered clubs, 37 accept applications from owners of all recognized pure-bred AKC breeds. Seven clubs accept membership applications from owners who have dogs in specific groups such as "Working" or "Toy." And 92 clubs are AKC-breed specific. Check out some of the more popular clubs that host the most shows year-round.

  1. Central Florida Working Group Association

    • The Central Florida Working Group Association, based in North Fort Meyers, accepts only dogs that are considered to be in the AKC Working Group. These dogs, tending toward hardy in stature, are bred to perform specific jobs such as sled pulling and guarding property.

      Central Florida Working Group Association
      P.O. Box 3046
      North Fort Meyers, FL 33918-3046
      centralfloridaworkinggroup.org

    Tampa Bay Terrier Club

    • The web page for AKC states that terriers have "distinctive" personalities and "are feisty, energetic dogs whose sizes range from fairly small ... to the grand. Terriers typically have little tolerance for other animals." Nevertheless, they come in quite handy when keeping the barn free of vermin or simply as a lap warmer. The Tampa Bay Terrier Club is a nonprofit club aimed at educating the public about terrier breeds while simultaneously hosting shows and trials. One special event for smaller dogs is the earthdog trial. This is similar to a hunt, but instead with a subterranean lure.

      Tampa Bay Terrier Club
      606 Knollwood Drive
      Largo, FL 33770-2725
      tampabayterrierclub.com

    Fort Lauderdale Dog Club

    • About 40 years ago, the Fort Lauderdale Dog Club appeared on the scene as a group aimed at obedience training. From there, it expanded into an all breed club and now holds annual all-breed shows, obedience and rally trials over a two-day period in March, located in Davie, Florida. Junior showmanship is also honored during these show days.

      Fort Lauderdale Dog Club
      2051 NW 36th St.
      Oakland Park, FL 33309-5755
      fortlauderdaledogclub.org

    Greater Gainsville Dog Fanciers' Association

    • The Greater Gainsville Dog Fanciers' Association is open to all AKC-recognized breeds. Having been formed in February 1967, it was not recognized until Dec. 18, 1969. Over the next three years, the club hosted its first matches, shows and trials. There are two annual shows and one annual match, which include events such as conformation, agility, hunt trials, lure coursing, obedience, rally, junior showmanship, herding, canine good citizen tests and tracking.

      Greater Gainsville Dog Fanciers' Association
      24708 NW 122nd Ave.
      Alachua, FL 32615-7836
      ggdfa.org

    German Shepherd Dog Club of North Florida

    • Recognized as a formal group in Florida on Dec. 9, 1981, the German Shepherd Dog Club of North Florida was actually formed in 1959. As the web page states, "Members of our club are involved in a variety of activities ... including conformation shows, obedience competition, agility, herding, SAR (search and rescue), and Schutzhund, therapy and service dogs." The club has held 78 shows as of January 2010.

      German Shepherd Dog Club of North Florida
      519 Hopkins St.
      Neptune Beach, FL 32266
      gsdcnfl.yolasite.com/

    Mid-Florida Golden Retriever Club

    • The Mid-Florida Golden Retriever Club, located in Orlando, was founded in 1984. Its event calendar generally begins in March, when the club hosts an all-breed obedience and rally match. The club is licensed by the AKC to hold conformation, obedience, rally, agility and retriever hunting tests in addition to its licensure from the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) to participate in Working Certificate/Working Certificate Excellent tests.

      Mid-Florida Golden Retriever Club
      5621 Moat Court
      Orlando, FL 32810-4973
      407-957-1530
      mfgrc.org