Begun in 1977 and running for four days in July, the Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows takes place in Houston’s state-of-the-art Reliant Center. It is a cluster show, meaning it is actually four separate, consecutive dog shows. Thursday’s show is an all-specialty show offering only Conformation (Breed Judging) competitions that end with “Best of Breed” awards. However, Friday, Saturday and Sunday each culminate with a “Best of Show” winner, chosen from finalists among the seven variety groups with more than 150 different breeds represented. Thus, there is no “Grand Champion” -- only three “Best in Show” winners that may or may not be the same dog.

The show’s mission is to enhance the public’s knowledge about purebred dogs. We offer the popular Meet the Breed seminars where the public can get hands-on experience with more than 80 breeds and discuss their advantages and disadvantages with knowledgeable breeders. Check Schedule of Events for a complete listing of times and events. We also offer numerous seminars on training, grooming and health that are free to the public. Besides Breed Judging on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we offer many exciting performance events including Agility, Obedience and Flyball as well as Vendor Booths and displays from hundreds of companies and artisans offering pet food and accessories. Additionally, Canine Frisbee(SM), Canine Musical Freestyle and the Mari Jon Filla Student Art Exhibit are popular attractions. Many dog welfare and service organizations present information about their services, responsible dog ownership and proper pet care and nutrition in general.

Formerly known as the Astro World Series of Dog Shows, the Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows is sanctioned by the American Kennel Club and supervised by Onofrio Dog Shows. Across its four-day span, the show attracts more than 40,000 spectators and participants and 14,000 entries. Thursday’s show is sponsored by the Houston Combined Specialty Association, with the following days sponsored by the Houston Kennel Club, Beaumont Kennel Club and Galveston County Kennel Club, respectively. Friday’s Conformation events are filmed for later broadcast on Animal Planet, an event sponsor. Iams Food for Dogs is also a major supporter.