More than 2,000 dogs coming to Fort Worth for American Kennel Club shows this weekend

More than 2,000 dogs will participate in The Fort Worth Kennel Club’s annual American Kennel Club all-breed dog shows at Will Rogers on March 25 and 26.

Founded in 1920, the Fort Worth Kennel Club is a member club of the American Kennel Club. The 2023 all-breed dog shows will be the 132nd and 133rd all-breed shows held locally by the club during its 103-year history.

“This is an AKC event with dogs entered from across the U.S. Largest entry in the state,” said Fort Worth Kennel Club spokesperson Dave Sturgiss. “Many handlers are professionals, make their living doing this. Multiple local breed clubs show in the Friday Specialties.”

Preceding the shows, on March 24, the Fort Worth Kennel Club Invitational Specialties will also take place at Will Rogers. Twenty-one breeds totalling over 1,000 dogs will participate in the all-day competition.

Saturday and Sunday’s shows will feature 128 breeds. The competition will be in 15 rings in three Will Rogers buildings - the Texas Exhibit Hall, Roundup Inn and Brown Lupton building. Show hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. all three days.

Visitors can watch the competitions and the preparation and grooming done by hundreds of dog handlers. Meet the Breeds, a crowd favorite, will take place in the Exhibit Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. About 32 breeds will be available for up-close public viewing and petting with dog owners answering questions about breed characteristics, traits and histories. Judging will then take place after 2 p.m.

Over 20 vendors will be selling general and breed-specific canine goods in the Exhibit Hall. Admission to the March 25-26 dog shows is $10 per person and free for children under six years old. Admission to the Friday breed specialty show is free.