Early Forms:
* Ancient Rome: Dogs were already being bred for specific purposes, and the Romans held dog fighting events.
* 16th Century England: Early dog shows, more like "dog fairs", started focusing on working dogs like hunting dogs, with competitions based on their skills.
The Modern Dog Show:
* 1859: The first modern dog show, focusing on breed standards and appearance, is widely considered to be the Newcastle Dog Show in England.
* 1870s-1880s: Dog shows became increasingly popular, with breed clubs forming and developing standardized breed descriptions.
* The Kennel Club: Founded in 1873 in England, the Kennel Club played a significant role in establishing and regulating dog shows.
* The American Kennel Club: Founded in 1884, the AKC formalized dog shows in the United States, establishing rules and regulations.
Therefore, it's not accurate to credit a single person with "inventing" dog shows. The concept evolved from earlier forms of dog events and competitions to become the structured and organized exhibitions we know today.