Instructions
Find a suitable venue. A dog show requires plenty of space, either indoors or outdoors, although an outdoor dog show is best (Especially if the weather is favorable). Make sure that the site has plenty of room to show the dogs, a staging area, an area for handlers to prepare their dogs and a spectator area. Also ensure that the venue has ample parking.
Select your judges. If you want your show to be serious, you need qualified and experienced judges. However, if this is an informal dog show, your judges can be anyone you choose.
Determine the classes you will show, including pedigree classes. You could have classes that include: hound and terrier; working dogs; toy dogs; utility dogs; and an open class for dogs that do not satisfy the requirements of the other classes. However, you can choose whatever classes you want.
Determine the prizes that can be awarded. You can take this seriously by choosing prizes like Best in Show and Best in Class, or choose novelty awards like Best Crossbreed and Best Rescue Dog.
Set up your show ring. Make sure there are enough spots for the number of dogs that will be shown in each class. It is traditional to have a waist-high table erected for toy and small dogs so the judge can have better access to them.
There should be enough room for the judge to look at the dog as it stands still and for the dog to take a short walk so the judge may evaluate its gait.
Set up a staging area for the handlers. This is traditionally set up behind a curtain or somewhere offstage so the dogs being shown are separate from the dogs waiting to be shown. Spectators find it easier to follow the action if waiting dogs cannot be seen.
Establish a dog-preparation area for the handlers. Whether you choose to erect tables for the handlers, there should be an area for handlers to add last-minute touches to their dogs' looks. There should also be ample water for the dogs. While you can rely on the handlers to provide food, you should provide the water.
How to Set Up a Dog Show
A dog show, also referred to as a conformation show, is an event where handlers or dog owners bring their dogs to be judged based on any number of criteria, including adherence to breed standards in appearance and for personality. Professional dog shows attract specimens of purebreds, but not all dogs shows are alike. If you're interested in setting up a local dog show, you can establish whatever rules and guidelines you'd like. Arranging a dog show takes planning and patience, but is not impossible.