Spring Show Calendar: Register Early

Spring 2026 Show Season Preview

The Spring 2026 show season is shaping up to be the biggest in ABKC history, with 18 sanctioned shows scheduled across the United States and 6 international events. After a record-breaking Winter season, momentum is building and early registration numbers are already trending 30% above last year.

Several shows have historically sold out weeks in advance, so we strongly recommend registering as early as possible to secure your spot.

March 2026

March 8–9 — Spring Breakout Classic (Houston, TX) — NRG Center. One of the largest Spring openers, historically drawing 400+ entries. Early bird registration closes February 22. Specialty classes for all 4 varieties.
March 15–16 — East Coast Invitational (Virginia Beach, VA) — Virginia Beach Convention Center. Growing show with strong East Coast exhibitor base. Junior handler classes available.
March 22–23 — Sunshine State Showdown (Tampa, FL) — Florida State Fairgrounds. Double-point weekend with both days counting toward championship points.

April 2026

April 5–6 — Midwest Championship (Indianapolis, IN) — Indiana Convention Center. The premier Midwest event with dedicated breed education seminars on Friday evening.
April 12–13 — Pacific Coast Classic (San Diego, CA) — Del Mar Fairgrounds. West Coast flagship show with ocean-side venue. Known for excellent Pocket and Classic entries.
April 19–20 — Southern Slam (Nashville, TN) — Music City Center. New venue for 2026 with expanded ring space and improved vendor area.
April 26–27 — Northeast Regional (Philadelphia, PA) — Pennsylvania Convention Center. Strong international attendance from Canadian and European exhibitors.

May 2026

May 3–4 — Rocky Mountain Invitational (Denver, CO) — National Western Complex. High-altitude venue with spacious indoor/outdoor facilities.
May 10–11 — Great Lakes Classic (Chicago, IL) — McCormick Place. Major metropolitan show drawing from 8+ states.
May 17–18 — Capital City Championship (Washington, DC) — Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Premier East Coast event with VIP judging experiences.
May 24–25 — Memorial Day Spectacular (Las Vegas, NV) — Las Vegas Convention Center. Holiday weekend extravaganza with expanded vendor marketplace and evening gala event.

International Events

The ABKC continues to expand its international presence with sanctioned shows in:

March 29–30 — ABKC Europe Championship (Madrid, Spain)
April 19–20 — ABKC UK Open (Birmingham, England)
May 10–11 — ABKC Latin America Classic (Mexico City, Mexico)
May 24–25 — ABKC Brazil Open (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Registration Tips

Register early: Many shows fill to capacity. Early bird pricing typically saves 15–20% off standard entry fees.
Check your paperwork: Ensure your dog's ABKC registration is current and all information is accurate before show day.
Book accommodations: Shows at popular venues see nearby hotels fill quickly. Book as soon as show dates are confirmed.
Review breed standards: The 2026 breed standard updates are now in effect. Familiarize yourself with any changes relevant to your variety.
Junior handlers: Many Spring shows offer dedicated junior handler classes. Encourage young enthusiasts to participate.

"Spring 2026 is going to be special. The entries we're seeing in pre-registration tell us the community is more engaged than ever. We can't wait to see everyone ringside." — ABKC Events Director

Full event details, entry forms, and online registration are available in the Events section. Stay tuned for additional show announcements as they are confirmed throughout the season.