Information
Allegany County Fairgrounds
11490 Moss Ave., Ext. off Rt. 220 South
Cumberland, MD 21502
DETAILS
AUGUST 14TH - 17TH, 2025
8:00 A.M - 6:00 P.M DAILY
$5 PER CAR, PER DAY
ADMISSION IS FREE
HOSTED BY
UPPER POTOMAC VALLEY KENNEL CLUB – Friday & Sunday
LAUREL HIGHLANDS KENNEL ASSOCIATION – Thursday & Saturday
ALL DAYS INCLUDE
CONFORMATION (ALL BREED)
4 & UNDER 6 MONTHS PUPPY COMPETITION
OBEDIENCE
RALLY
DOG Shows 101
New to Dog Shows? Start Here!
If you are not competing with a dog at a dog show, this makes you a "spectator". As you pull up to the showgrounds, you will be greeted by our gate personnel. Entry into the show is $5.00 per car, each day. After the gate, you may park near the show buildings—just be cautious around RVs and vans, as they often house dogs and exhibitors coming and going..
Inside the main entrance, look for the information table. Here, you can find the show's premium (or program). Each day, dogs are shown at different times and rings. For example, poodles might show in Ring 5 at 8:00AM. If you missed this ring time, you're likely to see a (single) poodle in the group ring. The group ring shows in the main building, inside, at the end of the show. All dog breeds (Retrievers, Poodles, etc) are categorized into groups. The next day, poodles may show in Ring 5 at 11:00AM. This is why the premium is so helpful!
Typically, smaller breeds (like toys) are shown indoors, and larger breeds (like herding dogs) are shown outside under the pavilion. We also host a German Shepherd Specialty—a show dedicated to just that breed—while the main event is an all-breed show open to every breed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog?
Only dogs competing in the show may be at the fairgrounds.
Service dogs are always allowed.
Is there food available?
Yes, we will have food vendors available by the outdoor rings.
Can I pet the dogs?
At a dog show, dogs are groomed to perfection—fluffed, brushed, and trimmed just right. Because of this, please don’t pet a dog without asking first. Some exhibitors are happy to let you meet their dogs, while others may be busy preparing for the ring or staying on schedule. That said, exhibitors are a great source of knowledge. Most are passionate experts in their breed and enjoy answering questions. A dog show is the perfect place to explore different breeds and find out which one might be right for you! Just remember—timing matters. Wait until after a dog has shown in the ring to approach, and please avoid standing near the ring entrance, as exhibitors need space to get in and out smoothly.
What is a dog show for?
This is a good question! As you stand by the ring, you might think to yourself that the dogs are competing against each other. Actually, they are competing against what is known as a "breed standard". Each breed has a standard to which the dogs are bred. One dog's standard might require tipped ears and a curly tail. Another asks for a white colored dog, an under-bite and a specifically shaped head. There is a lot into a breed standard, often pages of information, to which the breeder follows. The dogs in the ring are being compared to the standard, which the judge has learned by heart. Then, the judge picks who he/she feels best represents the standard.
Interested in How Dog Shows Work or Getting Involved? Request the Guide!
