Did You Know? – ’Tis The Season?

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94 – October, 2026

By Michael Canalizo

Well… ’tis the season, but not necessarily the season most people outside of the Dog Fancy are preparing for. For us, it’s National Specialty Season!

National Specialties generally need to follow the seasons of spring and fall because of the more favorable weather conditions for traveling with animals. Sadly, air travel to reach a National is becoming increasingly challenging on a number of fronts. Somehow, most of us manage to keep up with the current–and not always consistent–regulations required for traveling with our dogs.

The importance of attending one’s National Specialty cannot be overstated. Personally, I make every effort to attend any National within a few hundred miles, regardless of the breed. Seeing a large number of dogs together refreshes my eye for a breed I know well and gives me new insight into breeds with which I have less familiarity.

Venues are becoming increasingly difficult to secure. Clubs are being priced out of facilities that once fit their budgets. Hotels are becoming less receptive to dogs in general. Sadly, we hear far too many complaints about our own exhibitors and their housekeeping–both inside and outside the hotel property. And, of course, the current climate surrounding travel is, at best, hitting everyone in the pocketbook!

But there are creative solutions that could and should be considered.

There are several well-known facilities that regularly cater to National Specialties. The Roberts Centre in Ohio, WEC in Ocala, and Purina Farms in St. Louis are among the most popular. What we are beginning to see is breed clubs combining events at the same location to help control costs.

Click here to read the complete article
94 – October, 2026

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