General Information:

  • Dogs are to be photo identified by June 15, with Exhibitor’s name, dog’s name, breed, age and sex, and vaccination records.  If the dog’s vaccinations are due after this date, the vaccination record must be brought in July 1.
  • All dogs must be vaccinated for distemper, rabies and parvo.  Vaccination records must have a veterinarian’s signature. Any dog not vaccinated will not show. Any sick or injured dog will not show.
  • Exhibitors may show 2 dogs.
  • Dogs must be at least 6 months of age by the Dog Show.
  • Dogs in season will not be allowed to show.
  • Any abuse of dogs on show grounds or in the show ring will not be tolerated and result in disqualification.
  • Dogs must be attended on leash or kenneled at all times not showing.
  • This is an unblenched 4-H Dog Show and may not be consistent with all AKC rules.
  • Showmanship will be judged on handler's appearance (10%), grooming and conditioning of dog (20%), coordination of the dog and handler (50%), and general knowledge (20%).
  • Obedience - The exhibitor may select the obedience class best suited for his dog (exception: dogs with AKC “Champion Dog” degree may not compete in the Beginning Novice obedience class). Those with “CDX” or “UD” degrees may not compete.
  • Obedience - Dogs receiving first place in an obedience class at County Fair must advance to the next obedience class. The dog may stay in the Graduate Novice as long as the handler wishes. If your Graduate Novice dog fits the Open Class, you are encouraged to participate.
  • Obedience - Dogs will stay at their highest attained Class.  A "new" handler must enter at the level of the dog, whether a beginner or not.
  • Bring your dog to the fairgrounds for check-in. Confirm all class entries.
  • Dogs are released to take home after the show.
  • No dogs allowed at the cat show!

Dog Obedience

  • Follow rules in Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Rules 4-H 421
  • Beginning Novice-All exercises must be performed on a 6-foot leash. Dogs must heel, including figure 8; come on recall; stand for examination; long sit for one minute and long down for three minutes. The leash may lie on the floor in front of the dog or be held by the handler.

Division 700 – Dog 

G700001     Senior Showmanship – 14-18 years old 

G700002    Intermediate Showmanship – 11-13 years old

G700003    Junior Showmanship – 9-10 years old

G700004    Novice Showmanship – 8 years old.

G700005    Beginning Novice Division A – Handler and the dog being shown are both in their first year of county, district, or state 4-H experience, started Dog Project after October 1, 2020. Dog being shown may not have completed on AKC “leg” toward a “CD” degree. Handlers and dogs may show only one year in Division A. They must advance to Division B.

G700006     Beginning Novice Division B – Exhibitor or dog is beyond first year of competition

G700007     BeginningNovice Division C – Exhibitor and dog are beyond their first year of competition

G700008    Novice A – exhibitor and dog is in first year of Novice Class competition, started after October 1, 2020. Must have received a purple from the Beginning Novice Division.

G700009    Novice B – exhibitor and dog is beyond first year of Novice Class competition. 

G700010    Graduate Novice – Dogs must heel on leash; stand for examination off leash; heel free; come on recall off leash, long sit for three minutes and long down for five minutes, both with handler out of sight.

G700011    Advanced Graduate Novice

G700012    Open – All exercises off leash. Heel free and figure 8; drop on recall; retrieve on flat; retrieve over high jump; broad jump, long sit for three minutes and long down for five minutes, both with handler out of sight.

G700012    Costume Contest – Have fun, be creative, match exhibitor and dogs