Benched shows explained

Throughout the year, dog shows can be found on almost any given weekend. At most shows, the exhibitors and dogs are only required to be there for their scheduled ring time. Benched shows are different. They require your attendance for the full day. When the dogs are not in the show ring, they are "benched" at an assigned area so that people can come see a representation of the breed. It is an opportunity for exhibitors to share information with people who want to learn more about their particular breed.

When dog shows began, most shows were benched, but currently benched shows are rare. There are only six benched shows across the United States:

Golden Gate Kennel Club (San Francisco, California in late January)

Westminster Kennel Club* (Madison Square Garden, New York in February)

International Kennel Club of Chicago (Chicago, Illinois in February)

Detroit Kennel Club (Detroit, Michigan in March)

Portland Kennel Club (Salem, Oregon in July)

The Kennel Club of Philadelphia (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in November)

Benched shows can be very noisy and crowded, but they are a rare opportunity to get to meet any of the AKC breeds up close and in person.

*Westminster is the most famous of the benched shows and is televised on the USA Network.