Puppies for Free: Where You Can Get Them (2024 Guide)

32 Popular Show Breed Dogs

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The most popular show-breed dogs are often enjoyed as pets, best friends, and loyal companions. However, there's plenty of fun and satisfaction to be had in participating in dog shows. At a local level, at country fairs and village fetes, you can have a great time with any breed or cross-breed. There will be classes for "dog looking most like their owner", or "waggiest tail" – and who needs an aristocratic pedigree for that?

But if you're a more competitive type, there are the larger, more serious dog shows that are only open to pedigree dogs. There are typical classes to suit all breeds and canine groups, for example, hound, terrier and so on. For this, your dog will have to exemplify its own breed standard. Some breeds, particularly the gundog types, have working and show strains. Furthermore, because in pure-bred shows the goal is to ensure the lineage of quality dogs, it is expected that your animal will not be spayed or neutered. Some shows permit it so long as you have informed the relevant kennel club, and some require a veterinary certificate.

Happily, while there are many rules and reams of information on breed standards, dogs of all shapes and sizes can show. You only have to look at the best-in-show roll of honor at two of the most prestigious dog shows in the world – Westminster and Crufts – to feel reassured the variety is welcomed. There are dogs from all groups represented, ranging from whippets to bulldogs and everything in between.

Let's take a look at some of the most popular breeds of show dogs.

32 popular show breed dogs 1. English Cocker Spaniel

Show cocker spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel has won best-in-show seven times in more than a century of Crufts, making it the most successful breed of all time. The first victorious cocker was named Luckystar of Ware, who won consecutive titles in 1920/21.

Show cockers are shorter and rounder, and with much longer ears, than the working variety, but are still classed as a working breed. They also tend to be calmer and more naturally affectionate than their working cousins.

The gundog group, to which the English cocker belongs, is also the most successful group at Crufts. Which is another reason gundogs are so popular.

2. Irish Setter

Irish setter being shown

The Irish Setter, with its long, silky coat, is a natural in the show ring. Irish setters have won four best-in-show titles at Crufts. The show version of the Irish setter tends to be larger than the working dogs, with a silkier coat and more feathering.

3. Poodle (standard)

White poodle at dog show

Although the poodle was bred to hunt ducks, they are naturals in the show ring, being wonderfully trainable and super posers. Poodles are normally shown with the elaborate continental clip, with a large pompon on the tail and a top knot pulled into a ponytail.

Nowadays this is done for appearance, but it harks back to tradition in that shaving them helped their speed in the water (leaving some hair on for warmth).

Standard poodles have won five best-in-shows at the Westminster Dog Show, which has been running since 1907, and four in the history of Crufts.

4. Welsh Terrier

Welsh terrier before the judges at dog show

Welsh Terriers feature four times as best-in-show at Crufts. These sporting dogs were a mainstay of dog shows as early as the 1800s. Though alert and spirited, they tend to be a touch calmer than other terriers, which is a handy attribute in the show ring.

Terriers are the most successful breed group at Westminster, accounting for 47 best-in-shows since 1907.

5. English Setter

English setter at dog show

With its elegant good looks and distinctive, flowing coat, the charming English Setter is a sporting dog with a sweet temper – typically the calmest of the four setter breeds.

The first show for English Setters was held in 1859, and this three-time Crufts champion has since become a popular dog in the US, where it was crowned Westminster's best-in-show in 1938.

6. Flat coated retriever

Liver flat coat retriever at Crufts dog show

A flat-coat is as adept at retrieving game as picking up a rosette – the working and show strains are one and the same. They are naturally eye-catching dogs, with their glossy black or liver coats, and fabulously feathered tail and legs. The breed is a three-time Crufts champ.

7. German Shepherd dog

German shepherd dog being shown

There are two lines of German Shepherd dog: the working and show lines. Although they share the same ancestry and overall appearance, they do differ both in looks and temperament.

The show line – a triple best-in-show at Crufts – tends to have a more sloping back, broader body, and angled hindquarters. They tend to have lower energy levels, are less intense, and generally friendlier than those bred to work in law enforcement and the military.

8. Greyhound

Greyhound with rosette

While greyhounds were primarily bred to race at high speed rather than stand and pose, these sweet-tempered hounds make lovely show dogs. The show and racing greyhounds are bred along slightly different lines, where looks and beauty are prioritized over speed in the show strain.

In fact, greyhounds were among the first breeds at dog shows in the US and the UK. They were the very first breed to win best-in-show at Crufts, thanks to a fawn greyhound named Primley Sceptre in 1928.

9. Labrador Retriever

Headshot of Labrador retriever

This hugely popular breed is a winner in the field, in the home and the show ring. There are slight difference between the show dog and gundog type, but many individual animals could do either job with aplomb.

The show dog Labrador Retriever tends to be slightly stockier and heavier whereas the field dogs are bred only with trainability for the task in mind, but a great show dog should exemplify the physique of a working dog.

10. West Highland White Terrier

West highland white terrier at show ring

Showing makes a great hobby for owners of Westies, but it will need some preparation in terms of both training and grooming. Their double coat must be hand-stripped, and it takes some time to master this art. But once you've nailed it, your Westie will look a picture!

Three Westies have won best-in-show at Crufts, the most recent in 2016, and twice at the Westminster.

11. Whippet

Whippet winning in show ring

Whippets that are destined for the show ring aren't typically the fastest of their breed. Instead, they major in looking great, standing and posing, plus they'll have a pretty trot.

Whippets have won best-in-show crowns at both Westminster and Crufts.

12. Wire fox terrier

Wire fox terrier winning a dog show

The wire fox terrier has no rival when it comes to the show ring in the US. This cocksure breed has won a record 15 of the best-in-show titles, almost double its nearest rival.

They are smart, companionable, athletic and master show dogs.

13. Afghan Hound

Afghan hound trotting at dog show

This ultra-glamorous hound with long flowing locks and an elegant, graceful stature not only has the looks of a supermodel, but the physique of an athlete.

Built to hunt in the harsh, mountainous terrain of Afghanistan, their sublime, silky coat is not only their crowning glory but a necessity for warmth and protection.

14. Airedale terrier

Two airedale terriers

Particularly popular in the US, where the Airedale has won four best-in-show titles at Westminster, the largest of the terriers is a versatile breed. They can turn their paw to all sorts of sports and family activities, guard the home, and excel in the show ring.

15. Australian Shepherd dog

Australian shepherd dog

The appealing and distinctive markings of the Australian Shepherd dog set it apart in the show ring. While they are probably better known for their roles as service dogs, to help those with disabilities as well as drug-sniffing and search-and-rescue, they excel in showing thanks to their colorful coats and athleticism. An Australian S6huihepherd named Viking won Crufts in 2024, a sign of their increasing popularity in this sphere.

16. Kerry blue terrier

Kerry Blue terrier on runway at dog show

The Kerry blue is a fairly uncommon, unfashionable breed, compared to many other terriers, yet it has won best-in-show at both Crufts and Westminster. Their blue coat is a show-stopper – ranging in color from light blue-gray to a dark slate – and appealing both in feel and looks.

The breed has been shown in the US since the early 1920s, having only been imported in 1918-19.

17. Lakeland terrier

Lakeland terrier on dog show runway

In common with many of the terrier breeds, the Lakeland requires quite a bit of work and patience to make their coat ring-ready. Their hard, wiry fur should be stripped and trimmed and this requires some practice and skill. However, the end result will be well worth the effort, as this is a dog that the judges love – both in the US and UK.

18. Lhasa Apso

Lhasa apso dog winning prizes

The Lhasa Apso has prospered in the show ring for the best part of a century – it was originally classified with the Tibetan Terrier but since 1934 has been considered a separate breed.

Famous for their floor-length, flat coat that drapes down each side of its body, and a feathery tail that curls over its back. This is an exotic, elegant dog that is simply asking to sashay down the catwalk.

19. Pointer

Pointer at dog show

Pointer enthusiasts hold regular shows around the world for this popular group of breeds. Pointers, both German short-haired and English, have also won best-in-show several times at both Westminster and Crufts.

There tends to be very little difference between the working and show lines – this is essentially a working dog and its ideal physique should exemplify this.

20. Scottish Terrier

Scottish terrier on grass

One of the smallest breeds but a formidable contender at dog shows. At the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, this stylish, iconic little terrier is second only to the wire fox terrier, having won best-in-show eight times from 1911 to 2010, and twice at Crufts.

21. Toy poodle

Toy poodle being led at dog show

These adorable little pompom dogs are made for the show ring, with their cutie looks and elaborate clip – which dates back to its duck hunting days and is not purely decorative.

Court favorites from the era of Louis XIV and much admired as trick dogs, they know exactly how to please a panel of judges.

22. Pomeranian

Pomeranian being groomed at dog show

These exceptionally fluffy, foxy little dogs are the ultimate in showmanship. Pomeranians will prance, they're proud and they carry their plumed tail high because they know how to work a crowd.

23. Pekingese

Pekingese at dog show

These toy dogs are lap dogs par excellence, but they can also star in the show ring. The best show Pekingese will have a demanding long coat and an abundant mane, which requires copious grooming but will earn him plenty of points from the judges.

24. English Springer Spaniel

Springer spaniel show type

There are two strains for the English Springer Spaniel – those that were bred specifically to work in the field, and those that are bred for showing. The working version tends to have a shorter coat and less droopy ears; they're more wiry and bred for brains and athleticism rather than looks.

Either type can excel as sniffer dogs, but if it's rosettes you're after, then look out for the heavier-boned show type.

25. American Cocker Spaniel

American cocker spaniel at crufts

The American Cocker Spaniel is an excellent show dog. Closely related to the English Cocker, it is more suited to the show ring or as a sweet family pet than it is to working in the field. The American version was not specifically bred to work, unlike the English, and their appearance is quite different. It is smaller and lighter, with a domed head and short muzzle, and a long silky coat. It has won best-in-show four times at the Westminster Dog Show.

26. Scottish Deerhound

Scottish deerhound winning trophy

This large sighthound has a rough, slightly scruffy coat, and was bred to course deer in the rugged Highlands of Scotland. Perhaps not the most obvious choice for a show dog, but in fact they excel in the ring. One deerhound, Claire, has twice taken the best-in-show title at the National Dog Show in Philadelphia since 2020, while a deerhound has also taken the laurels at Westminster.

27. Boxer

Two boxers at show

One thing to know about boxers is that they have proved popular winners at the Westminster Dog Show, landing the top crown four times. They're also great at other competitions, such as agility, obedience, and flyball, as they love to be active.

28. Doberman pinscher

Doberman at dog show

This sleek and noble breed is blessed with a magnificent physique. Not only are they natural protection dogs, but their stature and glistening coat are a winner in the ring. They have taken home the best-in-show award four times at Westminster Dog Show.

29. Smooth fox terrier

Smooth fox terrier at a show

Not quite as prolific a winner as the wire fox terrier, the plucky and gregarious smooth version is nonetheless a popular show dog. The very first winner of the Westminster Dog Show was a smooth fox terrier called Warren Remedy, who took the title three years in succession, the only dog to do so. A smooth has also won at the National Dog Show.

30. Sealyham terrier

Sealyham terrier being shown

The Sealyham was a very popular show dog in the 1930s and 40s, and there are both national and breed-specific shows for this predominately white Welsh terrier. They have very short legs, making them a mud magnet, but if you have the time and patience for all the washing and trimming they require, they are a rewarding show dog. The breed is a four-time winner at Westminster Dog show, and a Crufts champion.

31. Bulldog

Bulldog being examined at dog show

Don't be deceived by the sour mug face, the bulldog is an amiable, courageous companion. Their furrowed brows, pushed-in noses, and distinctive rolling gait may be an acquired taste, but they are an easy-going dog for the show ring. They don't typically get excitable, they love the attention and their smooth glossy coats don't require hours of detangling and preening. Plus, the breed is a two-time winner at the Westminster Dog Show and a Crufts champion.

32. Yorkshire terrier

Yorkshire terrier with fur combed ready for show

The Yorkie's long, glossy and silky coat is its greatest asset in the show ring. This glamorous toy breed may have developed as a ratter, but has a look of delicate refinement. In the early days of showing, Yorkies used to be shown on a silk cloth or a cushion and still today, they are the only breed that is exhibited on a decorative box in the show ring.

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Twin Cities Animal Rescue Founder Charged With Dumping 8 Dead Puppies Along Road Is In More Trouble

Prosecutors asked the court to impose a bail amount of $5,000 with the conditions unchanged. But Judge Dyanna Street chose to allow Ryan to remain free on her own recognizance under the same conditions, according to court records.

A message was left Thursday with Ryan's attorney seeking a response to the latest allegations. She is due back in court Nov. 8.

A recent Star Tribune review found that Minnesota's oversight for pet rescue organizations has difficulty ensuring proper care for animals.

At the time she was charged, Ryan told law enforcement she acquired the puppies found in Cottage Grove from an auction on Sept. 30, and they all contracted a severe gastrointestinal virus about a week later, the charges read. She said they all died over the next week or so without having received any veterinary care, the charges continued.

"The failure to render any medical aid or medication for pain management means that the eight deceased puppies went through a painful and prolonged demise prior to their natural death at the Andover facility," the criminal complaint said. "[Ryan] indicated that all [eight] dogs died naturally, and none were humanely euthanized."

Each count against Ryan stemming from the discovery in her Andover facility relates to a specific dog. Each dog's name started with the letter G, among them Glimmer, Georgia and Gooseberry. The breeds included great Dane, Australian cattle dog, Irish setter mix, English mastiff, shepherd mix, American pit bull terrier, terrier mix, standard poodle mix, miniature poodle and bulldog.

Sportsmen's Group Sues Feds Over New Dog Import Rule, Says It Will Cripple Breeders In Canada And Europe

The Sportsmen's Alliance filed a lawsuit Wednesday against two federal health agencies asking them to rescind a new dog import rule that went into effect Aug. 1. The Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Health and Human Services say the new rule is meant to prevent the reintroduction of dog rabies into the U.S. 

The rule updates the requirements for all dogs being imported and brought back into the U.S., including additional documentation, mandatory microchipping, and stricter precautions around rabies depending on which country the dog is coming from. It also prohibits the importation of any dog under six months of age into the U.S.

This final piece is one of the biggest sticking points for the Sportsmen's Alliance, which is joined in its lawsuit by a Canadian dog breeder and a several hunting dog owners. They say the blanket puppy ban and all the additional red tape in the feds' new rule would cripple dog breeders outside the U.S. Although the new rule applies to all dog breeds, these groups say it would be especially problematic for hunting dogs, many of which come from Canada and Europe, as well as for dog owners who frequently travel across international borders to hunt or participate in trials. 

"Health certificates or vaccination records for puppies are irrelevant — puppies are totally banned under the rule," the Alliance explained in a news release about the lawsuit. "The puppy prohibition also has no exceptions, and this ban will completely crater a thriving community of long-established Canadian sporting dog breeders who send puppies to customers throughout the United States. Similar breeding programs for sporting breeds like Drahtaar (Germany) and Bracco Italiano (Italy) also stand to be decimated."

Another hunting breed with origins in Europe, Bavarian mountain hounds make excellent scent-tracking and trailing dogs.

Photo by serova ekaterina / Adobe Stock

The group and its supporters say the ban on importing puppies also disrupts the way that owners have traditionally acquired their dogs. The general consensus among veterinarians is that puppies are ready to leave their mothers and be re-homed around 10 to 12 weeks of age. The Canine Health Center at Cornell University says eight weeks is a good minimum for most breeders. (It also points out that several states have laws that prevent puppies from being sold any earlier.)

When it comes to bird dogs, however, a lot of experts recommend getting your hands on a pup sooner rather than later. The idea is to give a new owner time to bond with their dog before any real training begins. Legendary dog trainer Tom Dokken, who wrote the book on training and developing retrievers, also says he's found it easier to start dogs younger when they're more eager and driven, and before any developmental issues have taken root.

"We started a two-week bird and gun program [for pups as young as five months] when I started my own business. It's so much easier to see them at that age," Dokken told Outdoor Life of his philosophy on training younger vs. Older dogs in 2022. "The older they get, the harder it is to access that [prey] drive. If there are social or developmental issues, now's the time we can actually do something with them [to address it]."

Read Next: How to Train a Duck Dog Throughout His First Hunting Season

It seems the feds had already gotten some pushback on the rule after they first announced it in May. On July 22, the CDC announced that it had "updated and simplified" the process for dogs coming from countries that have a low risk for rabies.

These tweaks weren't enough to satisfy the Sportsmen's Alliance, which announced its intention to file suit three days later. The group contends that the rule violates both the Public Health Service Act and the Administrative Procedure Act.

"This really hurts our members, especially in states like Michigan," Todd Adkins, the Alliance's vice president of government affairs, said in late July. "And that's why we're going to fight it."

Labrador retrievers are a breed that originated in Canada, and many hunting Labs are still bred there today.

Photo by Erica / Adobe Stock

The CDC has created a guide to the new dog import rule, laying out the different requirements for dogs coming from different countries. Hunters and prospective dog owners can look at the CDC's list of high-risk countries to determine the steps they'll need to take.

Regardless of their country of origin, the CDC says that all dogs imported into the U.S. After Aug. 1 will need a CDC Dog Import Form showing they have the proper rabies vaccinations. They also must:

Appear healthy upon arrival;

Be at least six months of age;

Be microchipped.

Dogs coming from high-risk countries are subject to additional requirements depending on whether the dog was vaccinated for rabies in the U.S. Or elsewhere. Foreign-vaccinated dogs, for example, have to undergo a physical exam and revaccination. These dogs are also subject to a 28-day quarantine if they don't have bloodwork from a CDC-approved lab showing adequate levels of the antibody that neutralizes rabies. 

Read Next: The Best Hunting Dogs for Birds, Big and Small Game, and Tracking

The CDC recommends that owners and breeders start the importation process by getting their paperwork in order at least two to 10 days prior to bringing their dog back into the U.S. Or importing a new dog into the country. For dogs coming from high-risk countries, owners and breeders should plan on starting this process weeks or even months earlier, according to the American Animal Hospital Association.

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