Dog Show
General Instructions: Dog Show
Procedure: Those procedures described in Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Rules 4H421. It is the dog exhibitor’s responsibility to pick up after their dogs at all times. Dogs soiling in the show ring (during a class) will be lowered one ribbon placing. Dogs soiling anywhere on the show grounds without pick up will be disqualified from all entered classes on that show day regardless of the person who is holding the dog leash.
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.
Vaccinations: All dogs must be immunized for distemper, hepatitis, parvo and rabies. A Dog Show Vaccination Record Form must be filled out and signed by a veterinarian and returned as a part of the county fair pre-entry. The Vaccination Record Form must document all vaccinations 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 fair dog show. Explanation: Some vaccinations are viable for one year and some vaccinations are viable for three years but are specifically designed and administered according to their label. It is not acceptable nor allowed to vaccinate a dog with a 1-year vaccine and plan to have it in effect for 3 years. A vaccination form must be submitted for each dog according to the entry guideline due date or it will not be allowed to show.
Advancement Levels in Obedience and Agility Classes: Follow rules in Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Rules 4H421.
Advancement in Showmanship Classes: Classes are divided into age divisions (exhibitor age Jan. 1).
Disqualified Dogs:
- Females in season will not be permitted to show.
- 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 the show superintendent that is affecting the health of the dog.
- See “Procedure” for information about disqualification for dog soiling on show grounds.
Age of Dog: A dog that is exhibited at the fair must be 6 months or older. Agility dogs must be 18 months or older to participate in competition.
Dress Code: Dress code for this show is stated in the general instructions for small animal shows.
Baiting: Baiting with food or a toy is not permitted and is cause for disqualification. Handlers may use the baiting action without food or toys in showmanship. The judge has the authority to disqualify violators.
Cleanup: Shall be the EXHIBITOR’S RESPONSIBILITY. This includes all areas while on the show site.
Grooming: Only exhibitors are allowed to groom or work dogs at the show, both in and out of the rings.
Substitutions: A dog may be substituted for showmanship classes only if it is injured or dies following the entry deadline. Substitutions are generally not allowed in obedience and agility classes. However, substitutions may be considered at the discretion of the fair superintendents. A substitute can be selected from the exhibitor’s household family or from the household where the originally entered dog resides. Dog(s) may be substituted only if Extension Staff is directly consulted prior to the show date. A Vaccination Record Form must be completed for all substitution dogs and received by Extension Staff prior to the show date.
On Leash: All dogs must remain on a leash held by the exhibitor or a responsible adult at all times.
Practices required to Compete: NEW (2025) All members and their dogs must complete two practices to be eligible to compete at County or State Fairs.
—Showmanship Classes—
Each class will be judged on handler’s appearance (10%), grooming and conditioning of dog (20%), coordination of the dog handler (50%), and general knowledge (20%). Classes are divided into age divisions at fair.
Division 701
Division 701 – Dog Showmanship – 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%).
G701901 – Junior Showmanship – 8-11 years old
G701902 – Senior Showmanship – 12-18 years old
Division 701 -Dog Obedience – Follow rules in Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines 4-H420 to determine class entry and exercises within each obedience class.
Classes 903-906 in this division are ineligible for State Fair
G701903 – Pre-Beginning Novice A – Both handler and dog are in their first year of county, state, or any other dog experience. Dogs being shown may not have completed an AKC “leg” toward a CD degree.
G701904 – Pre-Beginning Novice B – Exhibitor OR dog are beyond first year of competition. This class also includes dogs that have been shown previously by others but have not moved past the pre-beginning novice level.
G701905 – Team – The team will consist of 2-4 well-trained dogs. Each 4-H member may only participate in one team.
G701906 – Brace – Two dogs, one handler, beginning novice performance.
G701010 – Beginning Novice Division A – Exhibitor AND dog is in first year of competition.
G701020 – Beginning Novice Division B – Exhibitor OR dog are beyond first year of competition.
G701025 – Beginning Novice Division C – Exhibitor AND dog are beyond first year of competition.
G701030 – Novice A – Exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Beginning Novice and are in first year of Novice Class competition.
G701035 – Novice B – Exhibitor and dog are beyond first year of Novice Class competition.
G701040 – Graduate Novice – Exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Novice.
G701045 – Advanced Graduate Novice – Exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Graduate Novice.
G701050 – Open – Exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Advanced Graduate Novice.
G701055 – Graduate Open – Exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Open.
G701060 – Utility – Exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Graduate Open.
Division 702 -Dog Agility –
Procedure: Agility will follow those procedures and classes described in Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Rules 4H421. Refer to Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Rules to determine class entry and obstacles for each level of competition.
Agility Jump Heights: Measure dogs at withers to determine jump height:
- Dogs 11 inches or less - 4 inches
- Dogs over 11 inches up to and including 14 inches - 8 inches
- Dogs over 14 inches up to and including 18 inches - 12 inches
- Dogs over 18 inches - 16 inches
G702900 – Level 1 – 6 Obstacles
G702901 – Level 2 – 10 Obstacles
G702902 – Level 3 – 10 Obstacles
G702903 – Level 4 – 13 Obstacles
G702904 – Level 5 – 15 to 20 Obstacles
Division 703 -Dog Rally – Rally will follow those procedures and classes described in Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines 4-H420. Refer to Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines to determine class entry for each level of competition.
G703900 – Beginning Rally – Dog is on leash and there are 5 to 10 stations.
G703901 – Rally 1 – Dog is on leash and there are 10 to 15 stations.
G703902 – Rally 2 – Dog is off leash and there are 12 to 17 stations.
G703903 – Rally 3 – Dog is off leash and there are 15 to 20 stations.