The First Dog Show in America - Facts

1. Type of Competition:

   The First Dog Show in America was a one-time event held in Philadelphia in the year 1876. It was this year America celebrated its 100th year since the Declaration of Independence. Though the first dog show inspired the start of the oldest dog show in America, the Westminster Dog Show, the show itself was never held again. The show was a part of 159 America's centennial celebrations days.

2. Location:

   The show was held in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia in the year 1876.

3. History:

   This first ever major dog show in America is more deeply rooted in the American History than one would expect. The setting was huge and the events significant. The Fairmount Park, with its 450 acres of grounds, was the perfect setting for America's centennial celebrations and America's first ever World Exposition. In planning for more than 8 years, the event was officially opened on 10th of May by the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. It was attended by the Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil. The exposition had a 100,000 people turnout on its first day. The whole fair saw more than 8 million admissions. The dog show was held as a part of the celebrations. The Westminster Kennel Club (then Westminster Breeding Association) helped to conduct the event and the very next year saw the start of the first ever dog show of the oldest running dog shows in America, the Westminster Kennel Club Show. Philadelphia became a big place for all sorts of dog shows, including the National Dog Show. The exposition was officially closed on November 10, 1876 by the President of United States, Ulysses S Grant.

4. Sanctioned:

   The dog show was not sanctioned by any kennel club and in fact, the American Kennel Club was not even founded until 1884.

5. Entrance Procedure:

   Though there are no officially noted records, the entries were conducted and supervised by the Westminster Breeders Association.

6. Classes:

   The show was a bench show and the classes could not have been more than 4 or 5 since there were not many recognized breeds. There are no official records available for verification.

7. Judging:

   The judges were, in majority, the members of the Westminster Breeding Association and most members at that time were the founding members.

8. Awards:

   There is no record of the awards given or the classes they were granted in. The known fact is that the show was a huge success and inspired the Westminster Breeding Association to hold its first show in New York.