Events at the Shows
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Conformation/Breed Judging
Conformation is one of the most popular American Kennel Club (AKC) events, and it’s more than just a beauty pageant for dogs. While the dogs have to be groomed impeccably, the competition lies in how well each individual dog conforms, or matches up to, the breed standard as established by the AKC. The event is open to all breeds recognized by the AKC, and can range from specialty shows focused on a particular breed or class of dog, to a more general show where dogs of any recognized breed can enter.
Why is conformation important? Because the closer a dog’s appearance to the breed standard, the more likely that dog is to produce puppies that also meet the standard and have other desirable genetic traits. It’s also the reason mixed breeds, and spayed or neutered purebreds are ineligible to compete in this event.
Download Breed Judging List PDF
Meet the Breeds Seminars
Click here to view Meet the Breeds schedule PDF.
Looking to get a new pooch for yourself or your family? Meet the Breeds is a valuable resource to a potential pet owner who is searching for the right kind of dog for his particular lifestyle. Experts present scores of breeds from the common to the exotic. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of owning certain breeds before selecting a dog for your family.
Approximately 100 breeds will be scheduled to appear at various times during Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The schedule will be posted here beginning Monday, July 18, 2022. Please check the schedule daily as the day/time for appearance of some breeds may change during the week.
The following demonstration will be held:
Meet the Breed Ring
10 am – 4:00 pm, Friday & Saturday
10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Sunday
Houston Police Department, K-9 Detail & Memorial Hermann Life Flight will demonstrate K-9 First Aid, CPR, wound packing & proper way to assess canine injury.
The entire schedule for Meet the Breed will be posted by Monday. So check back then!
Further information may be obtained from the Chair, Mary Crawford, jmbritts@gmail.com.
Flyball
Flyball is one of the most exciting events at the Shows. It’s a competitive canine relay race in which two teams, comprised of four dogs (and two substitutes), compete side by side against one another over a 51-foot-long course. As soon as the signal goes off, each dog dashes over a line of low hurdles to reach a box. Once there, they use their paws to push a spring-loaded pad and release a tennis ball into the air that they catch and bring back to their handlers. Once back to the starting line, the next dog takes his turn. Once each dog has completed its run, the team with the fastest time wins.
Canine Musical Freestyle
Canine Musical Freestyle is a choreographed musical program performed by both dogs and their handlers. The object of musical freestyle is to display the dog and handler in a creative, innovative and original dance, using music and intricate movements to showcase teamwork, artistry, costuming, athleticism and style in interpreting the theme of the music. Canine freestyle is a showcase that truly demonstrates the joys and fun of bonding with your pet.
Barn Hunt/Find the Rat
Barn Hunt is a popular, independent sport that is quickly growing across the country. These trials are meant to test the proper working drives of dog breeds whose traditional roles were to rid homes of damaging vermin. Dogs win points for the number of rats they scent in the course and for overcoming obstacles such as tunnels and climbs.
In Find the Rat, the course is a modified Barn Hunt Instinct Course with three tubes: one with a rate, one empty and one with litter. The dog will have one minute to indicate which tube has the rat. If he completes the task, the dog will receive a “We Found the Rat” ribbon. Dogs participating in Find the Rat do not need an official BHA registration number.
The BHA is devoted to creating a fun and safe sport for dogs and also holds rat care at the highest level of consideration.
Regular Barn Hunt trials will take place Friday, July 22, from 8 a.m to 5 p.m., and Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For fee information and to register for regular Barn Hunt trials, please click here. Registration for regular Barn Hunt trials will not be available at the event. “Find the Rat” trials will take place Saturday, July 23, from 1 to 6 p.m. and Sunday, July 24, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Barn Hunt ring. There is a $10 fee per run. Registration for “Find the Rat” is available at the dog shows.
Creative/Breed Grooming
Breed grooming focuses on making sure a dog is flawlessly groomed to highlight its conformance to breed standards published by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Creative grooming is a very different competition from breed standard grooming, and it’s more than adding a cute bow or bandana to complement your dog’s appearance. Many creative groomers create works of art out of their dogs using stencils, chalk, temporary and animal-friendly dyes, and creative haircuts to showcase eras or tell a story. Dog groomers who are interested in competing can register by visiting the Groom Texas website.
Download Reserved Grooming Map and List PDF
AKC’s My Dog Can Do That!
AKC’s My Dog Can Do That! is a lively event intended to give new dog owners a taste of dog training and companion dog sports. Owners can bring their dog and try out an Agility or Rally course with assistance from a professional trainer.
At the Houston World Series of Dog Shows, this is an event where you can bring your own dog from home to participate. Entry is free with purchase of a Show ticket.
Canine Frisbee™ Exhibition
In this athletic event, dogs perform acrobatic leaps, rolls and jumps to catch a Frisbee™ disc. Don’t miss this chance to see what dogs of all different breeds can do as they work for applause, cheers and of course, treats.
C.A.P Designer Doghouse Competition & Silent Auction
Citizen’s for Animal Protection’s (CAP) “Best Little Doghouse in Texas” competition is located in Hall B’s Designer Dog Houses Ring. Here dog show attendees can see some of the most lux dog houses available, designed by Houstonians, to be auctioned off for charity. Auction proceeds benefit Houston’s CAP.
Scent Work
According to the American Kennel Club
Dogs have a sense of smell that’s between 10,000 and 100,000 times more acute than ours! The sport of Scent Work celebrates the joy of sniffing, and asks a dog to sniff to its heart’s content, turning your dog’s favorite activity into a rewarding game. It is a terrific sport for all kinds of dogs and a wonderful way to build confidence in a shy dog.
In so many dog sports, the handler is in control, but this isn’t true in Scent Work. Neither the dog nor handler knows where the target odor is hidden. The handler has to rely on the dog and follow the dog’s nose to success. In Scent Work, the canine is the star of the show.
The sport of Scent Work is based on the work of professional detection dogs (such as drug dogs), employed by humans to detect a wide variety of scents and substances. In AKC Scent Work, dogs search for cotton swabs saturated with the essential oils of birch, anise, clove, and cypress. The cotton swabs are hidden out of sight in a predetermined search area, and the dog has to find them. Teamwork is necessary: when the dog finds the scent, he has to communicate the find to the handler, who calls it out to the judge.
HPD K-9
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Meet the Breeds Ring, the Houston Police Department’s Metro Division will bring their police dogs and discuss their duties and the police dog training process.
On Friday and Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 1 p.m., the HPD K-9 Detail and Memorial Hermann Life Flight will demonstrate canine first aid, CPR, wound packing and the proper way to assess canine injury. These presentations will also occur in the Meet the Breeds ring.
Sign Up for the Doggie Dish
Sign up for the Doggie Dish. Fill in the following fields and hit register
Events any dog can enter
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- AKC’s My Dog Can Do That! – To register, bring your dog to the AKC’s My Dog Can Do That! ring in Hall B. Spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no additional fees after you have purchased a ticket to the Shows.
- Barn Hunt – To register, dogs must have a Barn Hunt number and complete the registration online prior to the event. No registrations will be accepted at the event. Entry fees vary depending on class type. Click here to register. Click here to obtain a Barn Hunt number.
- Barn Hunt’s “Find the Rat” – Registration for “Find the Rat” will be available at the event. Just head over the Barn Hunt ring in Hall A. There is a fee of $10 per run.
Want to Get to Know Fido? Attend Meet The Breeds.
Looking to get a new pooch for yourself or your family? Meet the Breeds is a valuable resource to a potential pet owner who is searching for the right kind of dog for his particular lifestyle. Experts present scores of breeds from the common to the exotic. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of owning certain breeds before selecting a dog for your family. Watch this website or posted lists at the Show for the detailed presentation schedule.
Held in the MTB Ring between Halls B and C, approximately 100 breeds will be scheduled to appear at various times during Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The schedule will be posted here beginning Monday, July 18, 2022. Please check the schedule daily as the day/time for appearance of some breeds may change during the week.
Further information may be obtained from the Chair, Mary Crawford, jmbritts@gmail.com
*Pro tip: it’s a great opportunity to interact with all kinds of dogs and is a fantastic event for children to learn more about dogs.
Fri, July 22, 2022
12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Continuous
Sat, July 23, 2022
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Continuous
Sun, July 24, 2022
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Continuous
Where do I park when I get to the Shows?
Park in the North Fannin Lot (Orange), which you can reach from Fannin via the Holly Hall entrance (CASH ONLY). To avoid this expense, we encourage you to ride Metro Rail and get off at Holly Hall stop to reach NRG Center.
Get the full list of parking options here.
Why should I come to the Shows?
To be entertained
The Houston World Series of Dog Shows is one of the best entertainment values around. For only a few dollars, you can spend an entire day admiring thousands of beautiful dogs, shopping the vendor booths and enjoying such action-packed events as Flyball, Frisbee® dogs, Canine Musical Freestyle and more.
To be educated
Everything you want to know about buying, training and caring for your dog is presented under one roof. You can also talk face-to-face with experts on any dog-related topic and learn about more than 80 different breeds at Meet the Breeds. Every year, the events for nonregistered dogs vary. We encourage you to bring your pets and participate in these happenings.
To see top competitors
Many of the top-winning show dogs in the country, representing virtually every breed recognized by the American Kennel Club, will compete at the Houston World Series of Dog Shows. Here’s your chance to see rare breeds and extraordinarily well-trained performance dogs.
How much are tickets?
TICKETS – Available at the Door (CASH Only) and Through Ticket Master and GroupOn
WEDNESDAY ONLY
Free Admission
THURSDAY ONLY
$10.00 Adults 13 to 54 years of age
$ 5.00 Seniors age 55 and older
$ 5.00 Active and retired military personnel and family with ID
Free Children age 12 and younger with an adult
FRIDAY – SUNDAY
$15.00 Adults 13 to 54 years of age
$10.00 Seniors age 55 and older
$10.00 Active and retired military personnel and family with ID
Free Children age 12 and younger with an adult
Can tickets be purchased at the gate with a credit card ?
Tickets cannot be purchased at the gate with a credit card. Cash only.
However, there are ATMs in NRG Center.
When are the shows?
Houston World Series of Dog Shows will take place at NRG Center July 20-24, 2022. To see when specific events take place, check out the Show Schedule to see times and locations within NRG Center.
What are the best events for kids?
While the entirety of the Houston World Series of Dog Shows is family-friendly and appropriate for adults and children of all ages, there are some specific events that may be of extra interest to children because they include music, movement or fast-paced competition. Some of the best ones to look out for include:
- Flyball
- Canine Frisbee™
- Canine Musical Freestyle
- McScotty Market
Can I rent a wheel chair or scooter at the Shows?
Yes. To reserve ahead of time, please call 832-667-1482. See rates below. If guest goes over the 4-hour mark, it simply goes to a daily rate. Visa, Master Card, and Discover are accepted forms of payment. (Cash & Checks will not be accepted.)
- 1 hour: $10 for wheelchair, $20 for scooter
- 2 hours: $16 for wheelchair, $32 for scooter
- 3 hours: $20 for wheelchair, $40 for scooter
- 4 hours: $24 for wheelchair, $48 for scooter
- Daily Rental: $35 for wheelchair, $70 for scooter
What can I bring to the Shows?
Security Checkpoints: All items allowed into NRG Park facilities are subject to inspection. Bags larger than 11″ x 17″ and all backpacks will not be allowed. Lockers and storage areas are not available. Purses and diaper bags are subject to inspection.
Prohibited Items: For the safety concerns of patrons, NRG Center may refuse entry of individuals in possession of prohibited items including, but not limited to: video or audio recorders or similar devices, professional camera equipment or lenses over 12” in length, laser pointers, weapons/firearms, air horns/whistles or other noisemakers, sealed packages of any kind, bottles or cans, coolers or containers, fireworks, inflatable objects, outside food or beverage (Exceptions are made for medical reasons and children) No remote controlled vehicles, including cars and unmanned aircraft (drones), are authorized to operate on NRG Center property.
Can I open carry at the Shows?
For the safety concerns of patrons, NRG Center may refuse entry of individuals in possession of prohibited items including, but not limited to: weapons/firearms.
Food and Drink at the Shows
Can I bring my own food or drinks to the Shows?
NRG Center does not allow any outside food or drink because of an exclusive contract with ARAMARK. ARAMARK’s concession stands, however, offer a wide variety of food (including vegetarian) and drink.
Is water available at the Shows?
Water fountains are available at NRG Center.
Are concessions available?
ARAMARK’s concession stands will be available and offer a wide variety of food (including vegetarian) and drink.
Can I bring food for my dog?
If you think your dog companion may become hungry while you are at the Shows, you may bring some of your own dog food and a bowl. As with water, collapsible bowls are recommended. Also, be prepared to clean up after your dog if necessary.
Etiquette at the Shows
May I bring my own dog to the Shows?
The competitions at our shows are only for dogs that have been pre-entered. If you are coming to receive a PAL evaluation, you must bring your dog. You may also bring your dog for special fittings of canine sportswear or collars. We do not offer any “social” activities for family pets so please do not expect to find the equivalent of a dog park.
Every year, the events for non-registered dogs vary. We encourage you to bring your pets and participate in these activities. If you do bring your pet, please remember that many of the entered dogs have been exposed to many other dogs at shows around the country before arriving here. For your dog’s safety and health, he should be at least 6-months-old and have all the proper vaccinations including the new strain of canine influenza. They must be under control at all times. For good animal husbandry reasons, “community” water bowls are not provided. If you bring your family pet, please bring your own water bowl or cup and be prepared to clean up after your dog. Retractable leads are not allowed.
Can I interact with dogs at the Shows?
Before interacting with anybody’s dog at the Shows, you should always ask its owner’s permission. The owner will share any concerns about touching or interacting with their animal. If the owner says you cannot pet his dog, please respect his wishes. This is particularly important if the dog is a service animal.
May I Take Photos at the Shows?
Spectators may take their own photos at the Shows, and share them personally with family and friends via email or social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Selfie sticks are allowed, as long as they do not obstruct any walking traffic or interfere with a competition. We also ask that you limit the use of your camera’s flash while photographing competing dogs, as this may distract them from performing at their highest level.
If you share your photos on Instagram or Twitter, we’d love it if you would hashtag your photos with #hwsds or #comesitstay so we can see your photos and share them.
Anybody who is present in NRG Center may be photographed or featured in videos on social media without their express consent. If you see yourself in a photo online and wish it to be taken down for personal reasons, please contact the Show directly.
Shopping at the Shows
Can I buy a puppy or a dog at the Shows?
We do not allow dogs to be sold or adopted at the Shows. We do encourage you to meet reputable breeders at Meet the Breeds or visit the numerous rescue societies and clubs, and make an appointment to either purchase or adopt a dog.
What kinds of things can I buy at the McScotty Market?
The McScotty Market features vendors who travel from all over the country, bringing pet-related products as well as more general home products for you to see, test and purchase. Every year the vendor breakdown is unique, but you should expect to find vendors who sell products like:
- Home goods focused on animals (signs, key rings, bandanas, shirts, etc.)
- Clothing for dogs
- Specialty baked goods designed specifically for dogs and their nutritional needs
- All kinds of collars and different types of leads and leashes
- Dog and animal carriers
- Supplies for cleaning up after your dogs
Photography at the Shows
By entering the Houston World Series of Dog Shows, you agree to be photographed, videotaped and recorded for any an all the event’s current and future advertising, promotions and publications.
Can I use a selfie stick?
Selfie sticks are allowed, as long as they do not obstruct any walking traffic or interfere with a competition. We also ask that you limit the use of your camera’s flash while photographing competing dogs, as this may distract them from performing at their highest level.
Can I use a drone to take videos at the Shows?
No remote controlled vehicles, including cars and unmanned aircraft (drones), are authorized to operate on NRG Park property.
Is commercial photography or video allowed?
Commercial photography and video are generally not allowed at the Houston World Series of Dog Shows. If you are a photographer who is interested in taking photos at the Shows, you may apply for media credentials. If approved, you will be able to take photos and videos by appointment and in coordination with Show staff.
Can I use tripods or other photo/video accessories at the Shows?
Unless otherwise specified, tripods of any kind are not allowed, nor are drones or unmanned aircraft with video cameras attached. Lighting kits may be approved on a case-by-case basis, even if they are hand held.
PARKING AND DIRECTIONS
The Houston World Series of Dog Shows takes place at NRG Center, located in NRG Park at 1 NRG Park, Houston, TX 77054.
Parking Instructions
- From Fannin Street: enter through Holly Hall and park in the Orange Lot
- From Kirby: enter through McNee and proceed to park in the Orange Lot
- Exhibitors and Vendors: Use the McNee entrance from Kirby and proceed to either the Red or the Tan Lot.
- Parking is free Wednesday when you mention you are going to the Houston World Series of Dog Shows
Metrorail
- Drive to the Fannin South Park & Ride lot at 1604 West Bellfort (located on Fannin just outside the 610 Loop South) and pay only $3 to park. See www.ridemetro.org for bus and rail fares.