Do you have a mixed-breed dog that you think is the most beautiful dog on the planet? Maybe you watch dog shows and think that your dog is definitely better looking than any of those dogs, but you can’t enter your dog into any of those dog shows because they’re not a purebred pup. Are there any dog shows that you can enter your dog into? The answer is yes! Check out a few potential options for your mixed-breed pooch below.
The 5 Dog Shows for Mixed-Breed Dogs
1. AKC Canine Partners
AKC Canine Partners is a program that allows you to register your mixed-breed dog with the AKC. These dogs are not qualified to participate in conformation shows, but there are a variety of activities that they can participate in under the AKC. Dogs with this registration can participate in AKC-sponsored activities, like AKC Rally, agility, and obedience.
2. The American Rescue Dog Show
Even if you have a purebred dog, you may not be able to enter them into competitions for purebred pups because you don’t have access to their papers or line. The American Rescue Dog Show allows you to enter purebred and mixed-breed dogs that have been rescued. They’re judged on categories like Best in Wrinkles and Best in Wiggling.
3. Scruffts
Crufts is a prestigious dog show for purebred dogs that occurs annually and is hosted by the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom. For the mixed-breed dogs, Scruffts was created. This allows mixed-breed dogs to participate in a conformation-type dog show. While there are no breed standards for mixed-breed dogs, the dogs are judged on traits like health, temperament, and personality.
4. The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest
Some dogs have a face only a mother could love, except we all love them for it! If you have an affinity for ugly dogs and have one of your own, then you can enter them into the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest. This annual contest has been occurring since 1970 in Petaluma, California. Purebred dogs can also enter this competition, so there are two winners’ categories: World’s Ugliest Dog and World’s Ugliest Purebred Dog.
5. Farm Dog of the Year
Although many of us live in very urban environments, agriculture is still a huge business in the US, and it’s a necessity to ensure that we all have enough food. The Farm Dog of the Year competition is judged by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The dogs are judged on traits like how closely they’re bonded with their people and their helpfulness on the farm. Two dogs win this contest: one selected by a judge and one selected by “People’s Choice.”
Are There Benefits of My Dog Joining a Club?
Some of the competitions and pageants that you can enter your mixed-breed dog into require registration or certification with a club or governing body of some kind. This means that your dog must be registered for them to compete in certain activities, like all AKC-sponsored activities.
However, your mixed-breed dog cannot join any of the major kennel clubs, like the AKC. They also cannot participate in conformation dog shows that are designed for purebred dogs. Even purebred dogs without registrations and lineages cannot enter these competitions.
In Conclusion
If you have a mixed-breed dog, then there are still plenty of options for you to show them off to the world. Even if your dog is ugly, they have a chance of being seen by thousands of people if you enter them into the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest! Don’t let your dog’s pedigree hold you back from doing fun and interesting things with them.
Featured Image Credit: Raywoo, Shutterstock
