
A perennial favorite, Morris & Essex, shown here in the 1930s, has been revived and occurs every five years. The next show is October 1, 2025.
Question of the Week
Patricia A. More
North Fort Myers, Florida
Morris & Essex — such an elegant outdoor show with more than 4,000 dogs! Beautiful grounds, fabulous shopping, food and gorgeous hats make the day one to remember! Can't wait to return!
Desi Murphy
Monroe, New York
Helsinki for the World Show. I always love the World Shows. We get to see the best dogs from all over the world!
Sue Bauman
Allentown, Pennsylvania
I look forward to the Jersey Shore Cluster on Memorial Day weekend in Freehold, New Jersey, as the Plainfield Kennel Club has a diverse judge panel where others repeat theirs. I also look forward to the Star of Bethlehem Cluster in December in Allentown, Pennsylania: They usually have good judges and of course the Allentown Farmers Market.
Steven Herman
Wesley Chapel, Florida
Westminster, of course.
Lydia Coleman Hutchinson
Middletown, Maryland
Two shows that come to mind instantly are Morris & Essex and Crufts. M&E is so special in its uniqueness and history, and I'd better not miss it since I am judging there! As for Crufts, I have attended several times in the past, but not since the pandemic. I'm looking forward to being back there this year.
Charles Olvis and Liz Muthard
Lake Wales, Florida
We are I guess homers because we think our shows are among the best in the country. Little shows in Lebanon, Pennsylvania — Hunterdon Hills and Penn Ridge kennel clubs. We offer many things to the exhibitors: We have our Penn Ridge Kennel Club Foundation party every Saturday night and donate the money we make from the party to Take the Lead, the Junior scholarship program and AKC’s Canine Health Foundation. The shows always give back to the sport we love.
P. Lea Afferton
Winter Haven, Florida
I am looking forward to the Lakeland Winter Haven Kennel Club Strawberry Classic on February 13 to 16 in Lakeland, Florida. It is an expanded show this year with the AKC NOHS Regional being held there. They are offering double points toward the National! It's a pretty big show with a lot of event options. They always have really nice rosettes and breed trophies.
My question would be for handlers/exhibitors: What components of a show are most desirable to you?
Julie L. Mueller
Tulsa Oklahoma
Without a doubt, the Morris & Essex Kennel Club show in 2025. A historic show held only every five years, steeped with traditions that embody the celebration of purebred dogs. Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge organized the first show in 1927 until 1957. In 2000, Wayne Ferguson revived the show and brought it back to its glory, with the orange and navy blue Morris & Essex club banners proudly displayed. From the moment you step on the show grounds you are transported back in time. Ladies are adored in beautiful hats with vintage clothing. The gentlemen with fedoras, bowler hats in their tweed, herringbone and Burberry blazers and suits, complete with ascot ties. The entire show stops for lunch, with the club providing a box lunch for each exhibitor, and a reception of food and desserts during group judging. There is a sense from everyone attending that we have gathered together to remember the real purpose we show dogs. This show is unique, in a class by itself, and not to be missed.