Are Dog Shows Declining?

Dog shows have been an integral part of the canine world for over a century, celebrating the beauty, agility, and skills of purebred dogs. However, in recent years, there has been growing speculation about the potential decline of dog shows as mainstream events. With shifts in cultural attitudes toward pets, changing perspectives on animal welfare, and increased competition from alternative forms of entertainment, dog shows appear to be facing unprecedented challenges. In this post, we’ll explore the many factors contributing to the perception of decline, including the waning interest in breed standards, controversies surrounding animal ethics, competition from digital entertainment, and the evolving relationship between humans and their pets. Are dog shows truly fading into obscurity, or are they simply adapting to the times? Let’s dig deeper to understand the changing landscape.

Paws for Thought: The Decline of Dog Shows in a Changing World

Decline in Attendance and Participation

One of the most obvious indicators that dog shows may be on the decline is the reported decrease in audience turnout and participant numbers in many local and national events. While flagship shows like the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and Crufts still attract a sizeable following, smaller regional and community-based dog shows are struggling to maintain attendance. Many factors contribute to this trend. For one, societal shifts have changed the way people view leisure activities. With a wider range of entertainment options—from social media content to on-demand streaming services—events like dog shows may not have the same allure for the younger generation. Furthermore, competitive dog showing is expensive, and many pet owners are finding it difficult to justify the costs. Between travel expenses, grooming services, entry fees, and training, participating in a dog show demands significant financial commitment. For many middle-class families, particularly those hit by economic downturns in recent years, this becomes an impractical luxury. Additionally, there is an undeniable demographic challenge at play: much of the dog-showing community is made up of older participants, and younger generations are not stepping in at comparable rates to fill the gap, creating concerns about the long-term sustainability of these events.

Another challenge affecting participation is the growing number of families opting to adopt mixed-breed dogs from shelters instead of purchasing purebred animals from breeders. This shift in pet ownership patterns reflects not only changing attitudes toward rescue and adoption but also an increasing skepticism toward the purebred breeding system. Mixed-breed pet owners may feel disconnected from the highly specific and restrictive nature of dog shows, which generally focus on narrowly defined breed standards. Although there are competitions like the American Kennel Club's "All-American Dog" category to encourage participation by mixed-breed dogs, the appeal of the traditional dog show may not resonate with modern pet owners who are more concerned with their dogs' happiness and health than conformance to idealized breed traits. This shift also reflects the growing focus on companion animals as members of the family, with people valuing dogs for their individuality rather than for their pedigree or appearance. As these attitudes become more widespread, the relevance of formal breed competitions may continue to wane.

The Rise of Animal Welfare Concerns and Backlash Against Breeding Practices

Another significant factor fueling the decline of dog shows is the increased scrutiny they have come under from animal welfare activists and organizations. Critics argue that the promotion of breed standards encourages practices that can negatively impact the health and well-being of dogs. Selective breeding has led to the propagation of certain hereditary health problems in popular breeds—such as hip dysplasia in German Shepherds, breathing difficulties in Bulldogs, and heart issues in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Breeders striving to meet the stringent requirements of dog show standards may inadvertently prioritize aesthetics over health, exacerbating these issues. Animal welfare organizations like PETA and the RSPCA have openly criticized the culture of dog shows for glorifying what they see as unnatural and unhealthy ideals, thereby contributing to public sentiment against them. The 2008 BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed was particularly influential in raising awareness about the health consequences of inbreeding, and it sparked a widespread debate about the ethics of purebred breeding. Many pet owners who once admired dog shows now view them with skepticism, associating the events with outdated values and potentially harmful practices.

The backlash has been felt not just in public opinion but also in media coverage, with some networks opting to reduce or eliminate coverage of high-profile events like Crufts. Even among breeders and participants, there is growing concern about the long-term health of certain breeds and an increased focus on breeding for wellness rather than appearance. The Kennel Clubs in the UK, US, and elsewhere have responded to these criticisms by introducing measures to promote responsible breeding practices and revised standards that prioritize health. However, these efforts have not entirely dispelled the concerns of activists or the public. Furthermore, dog shows still face the fundamental challenge of being deeply rooted in traditions that may not align with modern ethical considerations about animal care and well-being. For many people, even the perception that dog shows represent a bygone, elitist culture is enough to turn them away from the spectacle. In this climate, it is becoming increasingly difficult for organizers to attract new audiences who are looking for activities that reflect their values regarding animal welfare and compassion.

Competition from Alternative Events and Digital Content

In today’s entertainment landscape, dog shows are also losing ground to alternative types of canine competitions and events that appeal to a broader audience. Agility trials, flyball, canine freestyle (essentially dog dancing), and dock diving are just a few examples of dog sports that are growing in popularity. Unlike traditional conformation shows, these events focus less on breed standards and more on the physical abilities, intelligence, and temperament of the dogs. This makes them more inclusive, as mixed-breed dogs can often participate alongside purebreds, and the emphasis is placed on fun and teamwork rather than strict judging criteria. These sports are not only more engaging for participants but also offer more dynamic entertainment for spectators, making them appealing to people of all ages.

Additionally, social media and digital platforms have introduced new ways for pet owners to showcase their animals without the formal structure of a dog show. Instagram accounts dedicated to photogenic dogs and YouTube channels featuring canine talent have become wildly popular, with some pets achieving celebrity status and amassing millions of followers. These platforms provide an alternative avenue for recognition, one that is arguably more accessible and rewarding than traditional dog shows. For many pet owners, the validation of thousands of online fans can be more gratifying than winning a ribbon at a dog show. Digital spaces also allow for greater flexibility, as content creators can feature their dogs in various contexts—whether they are performing tricks, wearing costumes, or simply living their day-to-day lives. This kind of informal engagement aligns more closely with the contemporary ethos of celebrating dogs as companions and family members, rather than as specimens to be judged against strict standards. As more pet enthusiasts gravitate toward these forms of expression, dog shows face stiff competition in maintaining relevance in an increasingly digital world.

Are Dog Shows Evolving or Fading Away?

Despite these challenges, it would be premature to declare the end of dog shows altogether. Many of the major shows, such as Westminster and Crufts, continue to enjoy high levels of prestige and attract participants from around the globe. These events have deep roots in tradition, and for dedicated breeders and handlers, they remain important venues for promoting their dogs, networking, and sharing knowledge about their breeds. The passion and dedication of the dog show community are unlikely to disappear overnight. Furthermore, some organizations are actively working to adapt by updating breed standards, introducing health-focused initiatives, and creating new event categories that are more inclusive and engaging for participants and spectators alike. The increasing emphasis on education—such as teaching the public about responsible dog ownership and the importance of ethical breeding—also demonstrates a shift in priorities that may help dog shows remain relevant in a changing world.

It is worth considering that what we are witnessing may not be a decline so much as a transformation. Just as other traditional pastimes have had to evolve to meet modern expectations, dog shows may be entering a period of transition. The future of these events likely lies in their ability to strike a balance between preserving cherished traditions and embracing new ideas that reflect contemporary values. Whether this means creating more opportunities for mixed-breed dogs, promoting health over aesthetics, or incorporating digital elements into the format, the dog show world will need to adapt if it wants to attract a new generation of enthusiasts. In the end, the question may not be whether dog shows are declining, but rather whether they are willing and able to evolve in ways that resonate with the times.

Conclusion

While it is clear that dog shows are facing significant challenges, it is too early to conclude that they are destined for extinction. The decline in participation, coupled with increasing concerns about animal welfare and competition from modern forms of entertainment, has certainly placed dog shows at a crossroads. However, the resilience of the dog show community and the enduring appeal of these events suggest that they are not disappearing just yet. Whether they survive or thrive will depend largely on their ability to adapt to the changing cultural landscape and align with the evolving values of society. As attitudes toward dogs and pet ownership continue to shift, dog shows will need to evolve alongside them if they hope to remain relevant in the years to come. The path forward may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: the bond between humans and dogs will always be worth celebrating—whether in the ring or beyond.