Dog Shows & Specialty Shows

American Kennel Club all-breed dog shows and individual breed specialty shows are intended to evaluate breeding stock. If you are interested in showing your Basset Hound, you need to have a Basset with qualities that make it worthy of being exhibited. A number of people compete with their Basset even though they may have no wish to become a breeder. They simply enjoy the competition and comradery.

How do you know if your Basset has the quality to show? How do you learn how to groom, train and handle your Basset Hound? How do dog shows work?

AKC Conformation

Interested in showing your Basset Hound? Conformation showing can be a fun and rewarding experience, giving owner-handlers the opportunity to compete alongside professionals while building a stronger bond with their dog. Getting started takes patience, education, and a willingness to learn about correct Basset Hound conformation, movement, and presentation. A quality dog and a solid understanding of the breed standard are the foundation for success in the show ring.

BHCA Futurity and Maturity Stakes

The purpose of the BHCA’s Futurity and Maturity Stakes is to recognize and reward breeders for their efforts in the breeding of better Basset Hounds through carefully planned breeding and the evaluation of puppies. Each year, the Futurity and Maturity Stakes are held at the Basset Hound Club of America National Specialty.

Junior Showmanship

Children are an important part of the future of our breed. Junior Showmanship is a perfect vehicle for teaching them about the Basset Hound breed. In addition to learning how to present and care for the Basset Hound, they will learn patience, determination, and good sportsmanship. The quality of the dog is not judged — the Junior’s presentation skills are judged.

Pee Wee Class Special Attraction

The Pee Wee Class was designed to allow younger children to participate in a show and encourage their interest in the sport of dogs. Due to the children’s size and age, safety was a primary consideration in the design of this experience.

Are you interested any of the Conformation Events? Check out the information we have assembled for you on these fun dog sports.