Specialty Breed Show
CT River Valley Specialty Show - CRVGRC holds June Specialty and Supported Entry shows in conjunction with the New England Sporting Group Association (NESGA). This show highlights all the AKC Sporting breeds in the dog fancy. During this show weekend, CRVGRC has both of its shows on Friday of the show weekend. This event showcases the sporting breeds as hunting dogs, so the shows include a Gun Dog class to honor those dogs that continue its heritage today.
Click Here to see information on our 2025 Breed Obedience Specialty Match on November 2,2025!
DOG SHOW HISTORY
Dog shows have served multiple purposes throughout history—both as a way to evaluate breeding quality and as competitions showcasing the beauty and standards of different breeds. Conformation championships from reputable kennel clubs signify a dog has met breed-specific standards, which many breeders regard as an essential step before considering breeding.
The historical significance of dog shows is fascinating, with the first modern conformation dog show held in Newcastle Town Hall in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, in June 1859. And prior to the organized dog shows of today, best pure-bred dogs within a community were “judged” along with large well-bred chicken shows! Those events marked the beginning of a tradition that has grown worldwide, shaping how humans engage with canine companions.
AKC Matches
Match Shows provide people who are new to, or interested in getting involved in, Conformation, Obedience, Rally or Agility events (depending upon the club). These Events are often used as practice for puppies and their owners, providing guidance and feedback from seasoned handlers, judges or fellow newbies. Match Shows are as enjoyable to watch as they are to participate in! If you are a first time participant you could easily come and observe with or without your dog. If you are coming to participate then you may need your dog’s registration information to enter.
The other benefits AKC matches offer is that you are meeting other people that are trying to learn about their dog and the various sports that the AKC has to offer. At the end of the day there is no wrong question to ask. Matches are an excellent point of public education for the new participant, but most important giving you and your dog a relaxing fun no pressure environment to come and learn.
http://www.matchshowbulletin.com/
http://images.akc.org/pdf/events/conformation/MatchShow-First-Time-Tips.pdf
We also “support” another local Golden Retriever club in Dec. with another Supported Entry Show.
The size of conformation events range from large all-breed shows, with over 3,000 dogs entered, to small local specialty club shows that feature only one breed. Each dog is exhibited (“handled”) by its owner, breeder or hired professional (“handler”). Most dogs compete for points toward their AKC championships. It takes 15 points to become an AKC “Champion of Record.” The maximum number of points awarded at an event is five.
www.akc.org , information on all dog events-conformation, obedience, field etc.
www.infodog.org , lists local dog shows
www.westminsterkennelclub.org , probably the most famous show in the US
www.grca.org , Golden Retriever “Parent” Club
A Beginner’s Guide to Dog Shows
Connecticut River Valley Golden Retriever Club
Contact : Karen Richard, President,
Inquire here