Top Dog Shows in the United States

There are hundreds of dog shows held every year in the United States, ranging from small local shows to large national events. The American Kennel Club (AKC) Web site has a detailed listing of all the dog shows scheduled for the coming year. Four top dog shows held annually in the United States are the National Dog Show, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship and the Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows.

  1. National Dog Show

    • Sponsored by Purina, the National Dog Show is the most-watched dog show in America, with about 20 million television viewers. It is hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia every Thanksgiving Day and is televised on NBC immediately after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The National Dog Show, which is emceed by former "Seinfeld" star John O'Hurley, features more than 2,000 of the top show dogs from more than 150 breeds and varieties from across the country. The 2009 Best in Show winner was a Scottish terrier named Champion Roundtown Mercedes of MaryScot, better known as Sadie.

    Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

    • The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is America's oldest dog show; the first was held in 1877. It also has the distinction of being the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the United States, just one year less than the Kentucky Derby. Held annually at Madison Square Garden in New York City, it features more than 2,500 champions from 173 breeds and varieties. Best in Show at the 134th annual Westminster show, held Feb. 15 and 16, 2010, was Sadie the Scottish terrier.

    AKC/Eukanuba National Championship

    • The 2010 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship will be held Dec. 4 and 5 in Long Beach, Calif. One of America's most competitive dog shows, Eukanuba showcases more than 3,000 competitors from all 50 states and more than 70 countries who vie for a total of $225,000 in prize money. One of the most popular attractions at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is the AKC demonstration ring, which features entertaining demonstrations such as herding with live ducks, and the AKC National Obedience Invitational and National Agility Invitational. 2009 Best in Show? You guessed it--a Scottish terrier named Sadie.

    Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows

    • The Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows is an indoor dog show held in Houston's Reliant Center. This year's show is scheduled for July 22-25 and will feature breed judging; performance events such as agility and obedience; demonstrations such as Canine Frisbee; educational seminars; and many special exhibits, booths, and features, such as a "Designer Doghouse" Competition &Showcase. The show culminates with three Best in Show winners that may or may not be the same dog, chosen from finalists among the seven variety groups of more than 150 breeds. The 2009 Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows Best in Show was a Golden retriever named Champion of Toasty's Treasure Island, a.k.a. Treasure.