ARRIVAL TIME: The dog project will be entered 15 minutes before the Dog Show on Thursday, August 7, which starts at 3:00 p.m. The dogs will be taken home after the Dog Show is concluded.
DOG SHOW RULES: Procedures described in Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Rule, 4-H421 will be followed in the 4-H Dog Show.
DOG ELIGIBILITY: Exhibitor should provide primary care and training for the dog. The dog should reside with the exhibitor or be cared for by the exhibitor the majority of the year. A dog exhibited in a 4-H event cannot be exhibited in any FFA events. Dogs not used in 4-H at the county or state shows may be used to exhibit at the FFA county show.
DOG EQUIPMENT: A show lead and/or training collar made of either leather or fabric of a length and width appropriate for the dog and handler.
VACCINATION: All dogs must be immunized for distemper, hepatitis, parvo and rabies. Bordetella vaccine is recommended but not required. Proof of vaccination for each dog must be provided at check-in. The vaccination record must document all vaccinations given within 1 year or 3 years of the show date based on label guidelines. All vaccinations must be in effect at the time of the County Fair Dog Show.
NUMBER OF ENTRIES PER EXHIBITOR - An exhibitor may enter one showmanship class, and two obedience classes (using different dogs and in different level of classes).
ADVANCEMENT IN OBEDIENCE CLASSES - Follow rules in Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Rule, 4-H421 available at the Extension Office.
ADVANCEMENT IN SHOWMANSHIP CLASSES - classes are divided into age divisions. All 4-H dog exhibitors must show their own animals to be considered as participants in the Showmanship Contest.
DISQUALIFIED DOGS - Females in season will not be permitted to be shown. Overly aggressive dogs may be disqualified at the discretion of the judge or superintendent. Lame or crippled dogs will not be permitted to show if it is determined by a show superintendent that it is affecting the health of the dog.
AGE OF DOG -A dog that is exhibited at the State Fair must be 6 months or older.
DRESS CODE -See Livestock/Animal General Rules.
BAITING -Baiting with food or a toy is not permitted and is cause for disqualification. Handlers may use baiting action without food or toys in showmanship. The judge or superintendent has the authority to disqualify violators.
Dogs are to be on the grounds ONLY for the show. When not in the ring, dogs must be on leashes held by the exhibitor or a responsible adult at all times.
Only exhibitors are allowed to groom or work dogs at the show, both in and out of the ring.
DOG SHOWMANSHIP CLASSES
PREMIUMS: Purple, $8.00; Blue, $6.00; Red, $4.00; White, $2.00
Champion and Reserve Champion banners will be awarded in each division. Purple, Blue, Red and White ribbons will be awarded to all participants. Each class 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%). Classes are divided into age divisions.
- Senior Dog Showmanship (14 & over on December 31 of previous year)
- Junior Dog Showmanship (11-13 on December 31 of previous year)
- Novice Dog Showmanship (8-10 on December 31 of previous year)
DOG OBEDIENCE CLASSES
PREMIUMS: Purple, $4.00; Blue, $3.00; Red, $2.00; and White, $1.00
TROPHIES: See Knox County Trophy and Award List
OBEDIENCE CLASSES – Follow rules in Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Rule 4-H 421 to determine class entry and exercises within each obedience class. A youth will move up to a ‘transition year’, after they receive 2 purples in a specific class at county or state level competition. Move up may be under the discretion of the superintendent or 4-H staff.
- BEGINNING NOVICE DIVISION A - exhibitor and dog is in first year of competition (started Dog Project after October 1, 2024). Exhibitors incorrectly entered will be moved to Beginning Novice Division B.
- BEGINNING NOVICE DIVISION B - exhibitor or dog is beyond first year of competition.
- BEGINNING NOVICE DIVISION C – exhibitor and dog are beyond first year of competition.
- NOVICE A – exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Beginning Novice and are in first year of Novice Class competition (started after October 1, 2024)
- NOVICE B – exhibitor and dog are beyond first year of Novice Class competition.
- GRADUATE NOVICE – exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Novice.
- ADVANCED GRADUATE NOVICE – exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Graduate Novice.
- OPEN – exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Advanced Graduate Novice.
- GRADUATE OPEN – exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Open.
- UTILITY - exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Graduate Open.