8 Dog Events for Shelties in The US
Besides the AKC's 22,000 competitive dog events each year, there are hundreds of US-based pet expos and dog days out where you can meet all kinds of dog breeds.
In an era when dogs are an integral part of the family, dog events are exciting days for all. Show off your Sheltie's talents in agility or head to an expo near you. To help your your search, I teamed up with The Dogs Journal Blog to identify the best dog events in the US.
1. The Long Island Pet Expo
- Where: Long Island, New York
- When: Every March
- Details: Family Pet Shows
The Long Island Pet Expo is for pet lovers of all kinds. It's a family-oriented event featuring educational demonstrations, hands-on-petting, special attractions, pet adoptions, and entertaining exhibits.
There are a variety of pets on hand including many dog breeds, rare and common cats, pot-bellied pigs, miniature horses, exotic birds, tropical fish, rabbits, ferrets, lizards, and more.
Notable features include the Rainforest Reptiles Show, Petting Zoo, TICA Cat Show, and dog Agility and Obedience demonstrations.
![The Long Island Pet Expo](https://www.sheltieplanet.com/img/long-island-dog-expo.webp)
The Long Island Pet Expo.
2. The ASSA National Specialty
- Where: Gray Summit, Missouri
- When: Every March
- Details: American Shetland Sheepdog Association
The National Specialty is a week-long event where you'll meet up to 1,000 Shelties and their owners. Held in a different region of the US every spring, spectators can watch hours of Sheltie Agility, Conformation, Obedience, Rally, and Herding competitions.
If you're interested in showing your Shetland Sheepdog, there's a popular ringside education class run by experienced breeders and judges. There's also a Welcome Party, a Parade of Rescued Performance Dogs, and goegrous Shelties galore.
![Summerlove Shelties at The ASSA National Specialty](https://www.sheltieplanet.com/img/assa-national-speciality-dog-event.webp)
Summerlove Shelties at The ASSA National Specialty.
3. The AKC National Agility Championship
- Where: Ocala, Florida
- When: Every April
- Details: American Kennel Club
Every year, more than 5,000 dogs from all over the world compete in the AKC's televised agility competition. These elite canines jump, weave, and sprint to the finish to determine who will be crowned National Champion.
Volunteer to help with the exhibits for one of the best seats in the house and see all the action up close.
![Sheltie at the AKC National Agility Championship](https://www.sheltieplanet.com/img/akc-national-agility-championship-sheltie.webp)
The AKC National Agility Championship.
4. Paces for Paws
- Where: Belfast Rail Trail, Maine
- When: Every May
- Details: Paces for Paws
Paces for PAWS is the largest fundraising event of its kind, benefiting animals in mid-coast Maine. Walk or run with your Sheltie to help save homeless pets and have a blast meeting other dog lovers along the way.
The main activity is a 5k race that starts at 8am, followed by a one-mile family friendly walk. Dogs are encouraged at both events and must remain leashed.
![Paces for Paws](https://www.sheltieplanet.com/img/paces-for-paws.webp)
Paces for Paws.
5. Pooch Party Stroll & Splash
- Where: Lakeview Water Park, Idaho
- When: Every August
- Details: Pooch Party Stroll & Splash
Does your Sheltie love water? If so, your fur baby will love this. Take a scenic one-mile stroll around Lakeview Park and finish with a cooling dip in the pool. Yes—dogs in the swimming pool!
Besides splashing and socializing with all kinds of dog breeds, you'll find contests, raffles, the Canine Cake Walk, and pet-oriented booths, with all proceedings going to local dog parks.
![Pooch Party Stroll & Splash](https://www.sheltieplanet.com/img/pooch-party-stroll-and-splash.webp)
Pooch Party Stroll & Splash.
6. Bark in The Park
- Where: San Jose, California
- When: Every September
- Details: Bark in The Park
One of the largest and most popular dog events in the US, Bark in The Park is an all-day event including low-cost vaccines, $5 microchipping, and dogs galore.
This massive family-friendly event features the Dog Costume Contest, the Dog/Owner Look-Alike Contest, and the Tail Wagging Contest. Besides the Kid's Zone with a bounce house, face painting, Doga, and kid's agility, more than 75 vendors are on site providing doggy goods and services.
![Bark in The Park](https://www.sheltieplanet.com/img/bark-in-the-park-california.webp)
Bark in The Park.
7. The Greater Boston Pet Expo
- Where: Wilmington, Massachusetts
- When: Every September
- Details: Family Pet Shows
Bring your Sheltie to this dog-friendly event featuring demonstrations, hands-on-petting, special attractions, pet adoptions, and exhibits.
Originally knowns as The Horse and Pet Expo, this is the original Boston-based expo that took over the US and grew to include all kinds of common and exotic pets. Designed to educate and entertain pet owners, it's a great day out for families.
![The Greater Boston Pet Expo](https://www.sheltieplanet.com/img/greater-boston-pet-expo.webp)
The Greater Boston Pet Expo.
8. The National Dog Show
- Where: Oaks, Pennsylvania
- When: Every November
- Details: National Dog Show
See more than 2,000 of the top AKC dogs from around the US compete for Best of Breed, First in Group, and the coveted title of Best in Show. This televised series of dog competitions is supported by family-friendly activities, athletic dog exhibitions, and hands-on fun.
![Sheltie at The National Dog Show](https://www.sheltieplanet.com/img/sheltie-at-the-national-dog-show.webp)
The National Dog Show.
To learn more about the wonderful world of Shelties, download my PDF ebook, Shelties: The Complete Pet Owner's Guide - now in its fifth edition.
![20 Things You Need for a New Puppy](https://www.sheltieplanet.com/img/20-things-you-need-for-a-new-puppy.webp)
20 Things a Puppy Needs
You're getting a new puppy! Praise Wibblesniff! Here's all the essential stuff you need for your new best friend.
![The Best Grooming Tools for Shelties](https://www.sheltieplanet.com/img/best-dog-brushes-for-shelties.webp)
The Best Brushes for Shelties
The Sheltie's double coat demands specialized dog brushes, ideally a deep de-shedding comb, a fine-toothed comb, and a slicker brush.
![A Brief History of Shelties](https://www.sheltieplanet.com/img/sheltie-history-photo.webp)
A Brief History of Shelties
History confirms Shelties are not mini Collies! They're the descendants of Scandinavian dogs imported to the Shetland Islands 300 years ago.
![Sheltie Puppy Development in Pictures](https://www.sheltieplanet.com/img/sheltie-puppy-development-in-pictures.webp)
Sheltie Puppy Development
See tiny Sheltie puppies growing into mature adult dogs. From newborn dumplings, to gangly coyotes, to billowing fur beasts.
![10 Most Popular Dog Breeds List](https://www.sheltieplanet.com/img/top-10-most-popular-dog-breeds.webp)
10 Most Popular Dog Breeds
The average dog lover only recognizes 25% of dog breeds. Why? Because of all the breeds out there, we favor a select few
![Introducing a Newborn Baby to a Sheltie](https://www.sheltieplanet.com/img/introducing-newborn-baby-to-sheltie.webp)
Shelties vs Babies
It's natural to be apprehensive when you bring your newborn baby home and having dogs around shakes things up that extra bit.
![Is Your Sheltie Fat?](https://www.sheltieplanet.com/img/is-your-sheltie-fat.webp)
Is Your Sheltie Fat?
Vets say 30% of dogs are overweight by 6 months old, leading to higher risk of cancer and heart disease.
![Why You Should Never Buy a Puppy From a Pet Store](https://www.sheltieplanet.com/img/8-reasons-never-to-buy-a-puppy-from-a-pet-store.webp)
Say No to Pet Store Puppies
Pet store puppies often come from puppy mills who skip genetic testing and vet checks to make more profit.