The Great American Dog Show, AKC Meet the Breeds Take Over the Windy City

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Press release: AKC

Families and dog lovers from all over Chicagoland can enjoy great, affordable, family-friendly entertainment and the thrill of world-class canine competition at the upcoming Great American Dog Show (GADS). The Show will be held August 25-27, at The McCormick Place Convention Center, Lakeside Center.

Guests can watch premier show dogs and competitors from the 200 American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breeds compete for top prizes throughout the weekend.

“The International Kennel Club of Chicago (IKC) is thrilled to be bringing Dog Shows back in a big way to the Windy City in 2023,” said Scott Pfeil, principal and IKC president. “Dogs have always been integral to the fabric of our city, and we encourage Chicagoland dog lovers and their families to join us in August to witness these great canine performers in action and learn more about what it takes to be a great dog owner.”

Along with the competition, which will take place across 14 large, indoor, carpeted rings, the event will feature multiple rings to showcase agility, scent work, trick dog and more. A highlight of the shows will be an AKC Meet the Breeds event showcasing the nearly 100 recognized breeds. The three-day experience will include multiple vendors, sponsors and exhibitors providing area dog-lovers with insights into the best new products and services to support the health, grooming, training and wellbeing of their favorite furry friends. Other highlights and activities over the weekend include:

• Exhibition Diving Dogs Event demonstrating extraordinary dog jumping and tricks with an iconic Lake Michigan backdrop.
• Kids’ Corner featuring face painting, an art contest, coloring areas, stuffed animal obstacle course, bounce houses and experts to teach kids how to care for their dogs.
• Best of Competitions throughout the weekend including a high-profile Saturday evening program held at the famed Arie Crown Theater featuring Best of Group, Best in Show and The Chicago Challenge Cup.
• Ask the Experts offering educational programming throughout the weekend to learn about the latest information to care for, feed, train and understand your pet.
• Vendor Village with numerous vendors showcasing the best of the best dog care products: dog treats, custom collars and leashes, dog toys and accessories as well as unique services for dogs and their families.

The Great American Dog Show has partnered with three charitable organizations: AKC Canine Health Foundation, American Heart Association and United Way of Metro Chicago. IKC Chicago will donate a portion of the proceeds from the weekend to each of these wonderful organizations.

The IKC was originally established in 1900 as the Chicago Kennel Club. For years, IKC hosted the iconic, all breed International Kennel Club of Chicago Dog Show, the premier dog show in the Midwest and one of America’s most prestigious events. A venerated Chicago tradition for decades, the show has welcomed millions of guests and became an annual destination for families from across Chicagoland. Now under the new ownership of D. Scott Pfeil and Erika Wyatt, the Chicago Dog Shows return in 2023, bigger and better than ever.