Events

We are blessed to have a very versatile breed like the Basset Hound who can display a wide variety of skills and natural ability which can be useful and advantageous in a large number of dog sports.  Explore the many things which you may do with your Basset Hound.

Annual Nationals Specialty Shows, Trials and Tests

The Basset Hound Club of America holds its National specialty shows, trials and tests each fall at a location that rotates around the continental United States.  Learn more about this year's events and about the more than 50 year history of the BHCA Nationals.

Future BHCA Nationals

YearHeadquarters LocationNationals CoordinatorDates
2023Gray Summit, MissouriBev Barringer-RuggeriAugust 25 - September 1, 2023
2024Albany, OregonGene McDonaldSeptember 7 - 13, 2024
2025Gray Summit, MissouriBev Barringer-RuggeriOctober 10 - 17, 2025
2026Inviting bids
2027Inviting bids
2028Inviting bids

2020 BHCA Nationals Results

The 2020 National Specialty was canceled due to the SARS-COV-2 virus from Wuhan, China causing the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns and mass-gathering restrictions.

2019 BHCA Nationals Results

Our 2019 National Specialty was in Denver, Colorado.  You can find a full list of results by clicking the link below.

Past National Specialties

AKC Family Dog

The programs and events which make up the AKC Family Dog Program are designed to introduce owners to a variety of fun dog sports

Companion Events

The Companion Sports demonstrate a close relationship between you and your dog and the ability to transform that working relationship into a good performance.

Agility

Obedience

Rally

Tracking

Performance Events

We all know that Bassets are scent hounds, and as such, most have a great natural ability to use their nose.  Performance events are designed for your dog to display the skills it has been bred to have as well as give the hound an opportunity to participate in events that it will truly enjoy.  While on the surface some events may not initially seem to highlight the Basset's virtues, they will demonstrate abilities necessary to perform in these skills.

Field Trials

Hunting Performance Test

Coursing Ability Test & Fast Cat®

Scent Work

Barn Hunt

Events for Juniors

American Kennel Club Dog Shows and Basset Hound Specialty shows are intended to evaluate breeding stock.  There are several events and programs that are specifically for the Junior.  The primary event is Junior Showmanship which is held at Conformation shows.  Junior Showmanship is not judged on the conformation of the dog, but on how well the Junior presents their dog.  There is a special event known as PeeWee.  Additionally, BHCA sponsors a Junior Scholarship program, and there are programs through AKC which are for the Junior Exhibitor in other events.

Junior Showmanship

PeeWee Special Attraction

BHCA Junior Scholarship Program & AKC Junior Programs

As you can see, there are many types of activities that you can enjoy with the Basset Hound.  Try some of them!