8 Dog Events for Shelties in The US

By Becky Casale, author, Shelties: The Complete Pet Owner's Guide

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Besides the AKC's 22,000 competitive dog events each year, there are hundreds of US-based pet expos and dog days out where you can meet all kinds of dog breeds.

In an era when dogs are an integral part of the family, dog events are exciting days for all. Show off your Sheltie's talents in agility or head to an expo near you. To help your your search, I teamed up with The Dogs Journal Blog to identify the best dog events in the US.

1. The Long Island Pet Expo

Where: Long Island, New York
When: Every March
Details: Family Pet Shows

The Long Island Pet Expo is for pet lovers of all kinds. It's a family-oriented event featuring educational demonstrations, hands-on-petting, special attractions, pet adoptions, and entertaining exhibits.

There are a variety of pets on hand including many dog breeds, rare and common cats, pot-bellied pigs, miniature horses, exotic birds, tropical fish, rabbits, ferrets, lizards, and more.

Notable features include the Rainforest Reptiles Show, Petting Zoo, TICA Cat Show, and dog Agility and Obedience demonstrations.

The Long Island Pet Expo.

2. The ASSA National Specialty

Where: Gray Summit, Missouri
When: Every March
Details: American Shetland Sheepdog Association

The National Specialty is a week-long event where you'll meet up to 1,000 Shelties and their owners. Held in a different region of the US every spring, spectators can watch hours of Sheltie Agility, Conformation, Obedience, Rally, and Herding competitions.

If you're interested in showing your Shetland Sheepdog, there's a popular ringside education class run by experienced breeders and judges. There's also a Welcome Party, a Parade of Rescued Performance Dogs, and goegrous Shelties galore.

Summerlove Shelties at The ASSA National Specialty.

3. The AKC National Agility Championship

Where: Ocala, Florida
When: Every April
Details: American Kennel Club

Every year, more than 5,000 dogs from all over the world compete in the AKC's televised agility competition. These elite canines jump, weave, and sprint to the finish to determine who will be crowned National Champion.

Volunteer to help with the exhibits for one of the best seats in the house and see all the action up close.

The AKC National Agility Championship.

4. Paces for Paws

Where: Belfast Rail Trail, Maine
When: Every May
Details: Paces for Paws

Paces for PAWS is the largest fundraising event of its kind, benefiting animals in mid-coast Maine. Walk or run with your Sheltie to help save homeless pets and have a blast meeting other dog lovers along the way.

The main activity is a 5k race that starts at 8am, followed by a one-mile family friendly walk. Dogs are encouraged at both events and must remain leashed.

Paces for Paws.

5. Pooch Party Stroll & Splash

Where: Lakeview Water Park, Idaho
When: Every August
Details: Pooch Party Stroll & Splash

Does your Sheltie love water? If so, your fur baby will love this. Take a scenic one-mile stroll around Lakeview Park and finish with a cooling dip in the pool. Yes—dogs in the swimming pool!

Besides splashing and socializing with all kinds of dog breeds, you'll find contests, raffles, the Canine Cake Walk, and pet-oriented booths, with all proceedings going to local dog parks.

Pooch Party Stroll & Splash.

6. Bark in The Park

Where: San Jose, California
When: Every September
Details: Bark in The Park

One of the largest and most popular dog events in the US, Bark in The Park is an all-day event including low-cost vaccines, $5 microchipping, and dogs galore.

This massive family-friendly event features the Dog Costume Contest, the Dog/Owner Look-Alike Contest, and the Tail Wagging Contest. Besides the Kid's Zone with a bounce house, face painting, Doga, and kid's agility, more than 75 vendors are on site providing doggy goods and services.

Bark in The Park.

7. The Greater Boston Pet Expo

Where: Wilmington, Massachusetts
When: Every September
Details: Family Pet Shows

Bring your Sheltie to this dog-friendly event featuring demonstrations, hands-on-petting, special attractions, pet adoptions, and exhibits.

Originally knowns as The Horse and Pet Expo, this is the original Boston-based expo that took over the US and grew to include all kinds of common and exotic pets. Designed to educate and entertain pet owners, it's a great day out for families.

The Greater Boston Pet Expo.

8. The National Dog Show

Where: Oaks, Pennsylvania
When: Every November
Details: National Dog Show

See more than 2,000 of the top AKC dogs from around the US compete for Best of Breed, First in Group, and the coveted title of Best in Show. This televised series of dog competitions is supported by family-friendly activities, athletic dog exhibitions, and hands-on fun.

The National Dog Show.

To learn more about the wonderful world of Shetland Sheepdogs, download my 160-page PDF ebook, Shelties: The Complete Pet Owner's Guide, now in its fifth edition.

The guide features hands-on advice on raising a Sheltie illustrated with 100+ photos from Sheltie owners around the world. It's much loved by those who followed the adventures of Howard and Piper Woofington Moon, the inspiration behind Sheltie Planet.

Click here to learn more.