Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I come to the show?
Entertainment for the entire Family
The M&M Cluster Dog Shows is one of the best entertainment values around. For only a few dollars, you can spend an entire day admiring thousands of beautiful dogs, shopping the vendor booths and enjoying action-packed demonstrations.
Education
Everything you want to know about buying, training and caring for your dog is presented under one roof. You can also talk face-to-face with experts on any dog-related topic and learn about what you need to know to buy a pure bred dog from a reputable breeder.
To see top competitors
Many of the top-winning dogs in the country representing the 160+ breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club will attend M&M Cluster Dog Shows. Several were invited to the country’s premier Westminster Dog Show in February. Now’s your chance to see them shine in person before you might get to see them on television!
When should I come?
The show is Thursday-Sunday from 8 am -5 pm. Please check the Judging Schedule to see when your favorite breed will be judged. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday all offer a full venue of activities and special events, so choose the day that is most convenient for you and your family. Best In Show awards are at approximately 4:00 p.m. each day. Note: This is not a Benched Show and the dogs are not required to stay all day, so be sure to check the Judging Schedule for the breeds you want to make sure to see.
May I bring my dog?
American Kennel Club rules state that dogs that are not entered in an event are not allowed inside the venue.
Can I buy a puppy at the show?
We do not allow dogs to be sold or adopted at the show. We do encourage you to meet reputable breeders and make an appointment to either purchase or adopt a dog.
Can you recommend a dog-friendly hotel in the area?
Dog friendly hotels in the area can be found on the VENUE page.
Where is Midland County Fairgrounds located?
Midland County Fairgrounds is located at 6905 Eastman Road, Midland, MI, 48640. From the M10 Eastman Exit, go straight through the intersection at end of exit ramp onto Airport Rd. to Fairgrounds.
From Northwest: US 10 to Eastman Exit, left at intersection at end of exit ramp, under US 10 and left onto Airport Road to Fairgrounds.
From Southwest: US 27 to M20 East (at Mt. Pleasant) to B.R. US 10 West to US 10 underpass, left onto Airport Rd. to Fairgrounds.
Where should I park?
Midland County Fairgrounds offers convenient parking for attendees. The fee is $5 per day or $15 for the weekend for all car and van parking.
Is Reserved Grooming space available?
Yes, you can reserve a 10’ x 10’ space close to the rings. These spaces are limited and filled on a first come first served basis. Reserved Grooming space must be paid by the deadline. Fill out the reservation form on the VENUE page and send your check. Check our website the week before the show to view a map of the reserved grooming. Although the show starts on Thursday, you can access your reserved space beginning at noon on Wednesday.
Ample open grooming space and day grooming space will be available in buildings except Gerstacker and Obedience. No grooming is allowed in the Gerstacker Building or the Obedience & Rally Building.
Is RV parking available?
There is plenty of 20, 30, and 50 amp service and shaded RV Parking available at the rate of $30 a night or $1100 for all 4 nights, beginning on Wednesday, at noon. Spaces are on a first come first served basis. Please fill out the parking reservation form on the VENUE page . Reservations must be paid by the deadline.
Can I leave my dogs in the building over night?
Buildings will be locked at 9:30 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. There will be no security guard on the show site at night.
Are wheel chair and scooter rentals available?
No.
Is smoking allowed inside of the facility?
Smoking is prohibited inside the buildings at Midland County Fairgrounds.
Do you have concessions available?
Yes, food vendors are available offering a variety of different food options. From healthy salads, soups, and sandwiches all the way to pizza, burgers, ice cream and popcorn. No outside food or beverage is allowed within the facility.
How can I learn more about dog shows?
Visit the American Kennel Club website for all you wanted to know about dog shows and then some! If you're interested in showing your dog, sign up for the AKC's New Exhibitor Mentoring Program.
How do I register my dog with AKC?
In order for a dog to be individually registered with the AKC, it must be part of an AKC-registered litter. When you purchase a purebred puppy, the breeder should provide you with an Individual Dog Registration Application to fill out, sign, and send to the AKC with the appropriate registration fee. In many cases you can register your dog online.
How do I register my dog with AKC if it is a mixed breed?
The AKC Canine Partners Program enables dogs of mixed breeds to participate in AKC Rally, Obedience, Agility, and Coursing Ability events. Dogs registered as Canine Partners must be spayed or neutered; if you are registering a puppy, you must certify that you will have it spayed or neutered at the age recommended by your veterinarian. Wolf-dog hybrids are not eligible for the Canine Partners Program.
How do I make an entry?
To enter a dog, fill out an official AKC entry form and send it, with the appropriate entry fee, to the superintendent or show secretary, listed on the form.
Can I bring my dog to the show without an AKC registration?
No, only dogs that are entered in the show can be brought into the buildings.
How can I learn when certain breeds or events are scheduled?
Once show entries have closed, the superintendent or show secretary will publish a judging program. The judging program lists the schedule of events and judging, including the number of entries in each breed, the time judging for the breed begins, and the ring in which the breed is being judged.
Entertainment for the entire Family
The M&M Cluster Dog Shows is one of the best entertainment values around. For only a few dollars, you can spend an entire day admiring thousands of beautiful dogs, shopping the vendor booths and enjoying action-packed demonstrations.
Education
Everything you want to know about buying, training and caring for your dog is presented under one roof. You can also talk face-to-face with experts on any dog-related topic and learn about what you need to know to buy a pure bred dog from a reputable breeder.
To see top competitors
Many of the top-winning dogs in the country representing the 160+ breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club will attend M&M Cluster Dog Shows. Several were invited to the country’s premier Westminster Dog Show in February. Now’s your chance to see them shine in person before you might get to see them on television!
When should I come?
The show is Thursday-Sunday from 8 am -5 pm. Please check the Judging Schedule to see when your favorite breed will be judged. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday all offer a full venue of activities and special events, so choose the day that is most convenient for you and your family. Best In Show awards are at approximately 4:00 p.m. each day. Note: This is not a Benched Show and the dogs are not required to stay all day, so be sure to check the Judging Schedule for the breeds you want to make sure to see.
May I bring my dog?
American Kennel Club rules state that dogs that are not entered in an event are not allowed inside the venue.
Can I buy a puppy at the show?
We do not allow dogs to be sold or adopted at the show. We do encourage you to meet reputable breeders and make an appointment to either purchase or adopt a dog.
Can you recommend a dog-friendly hotel in the area?
Dog friendly hotels in the area can be found on the VENUE page.
Where is Midland County Fairgrounds located?
Midland County Fairgrounds is located at 6905 Eastman Road, Midland, MI, 48640. From the M10 Eastman Exit, go straight through the intersection at end of exit ramp onto Airport Rd. to Fairgrounds.
From Northwest: US 10 to Eastman Exit, left at intersection at end of exit ramp, under US 10 and left onto Airport Road to Fairgrounds.
From Southwest: US 27 to M20 East (at Mt. Pleasant) to B.R. US 10 West to US 10 underpass, left onto Airport Rd. to Fairgrounds.
Where should I park?
Midland County Fairgrounds offers convenient parking for attendees. The fee is $5 per day or $15 for the weekend for all car and van parking.
Is Reserved Grooming space available?
Yes, you can reserve a 10’ x 10’ space close to the rings. These spaces are limited and filled on a first come first served basis. Reserved Grooming space must be paid by the deadline. Fill out the reservation form on the VENUE page and send your check. Check our website the week before the show to view a map of the reserved grooming. Although the show starts on Thursday, you can access your reserved space beginning at noon on Wednesday.
Ample open grooming space and day grooming space will be available in buildings except Gerstacker and Obedience. No grooming is allowed in the Gerstacker Building or the Obedience & Rally Building.
Is RV parking available?
There is plenty of 20, 30, and 50 amp service and shaded RV Parking available at the rate of $30 a night or $1100 for all 4 nights, beginning on Wednesday, at noon. Spaces are on a first come first served basis. Please fill out the parking reservation form on the VENUE page . Reservations must be paid by the deadline.
Can I leave my dogs in the building over night?
Buildings will be locked at 9:30 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. There will be no security guard on the show site at night.
Are wheel chair and scooter rentals available?
No.
Is smoking allowed inside of the facility?
Smoking is prohibited inside the buildings at Midland County Fairgrounds.
Do you have concessions available?
Yes, food vendors are available offering a variety of different food options. From healthy salads, soups, and sandwiches all the way to pizza, burgers, ice cream and popcorn. No outside food or beverage is allowed within the facility.
How can I learn more about dog shows?
Visit the American Kennel Club website for all you wanted to know about dog shows and then some! If you're interested in showing your dog, sign up for the AKC's New Exhibitor Mentoring Program.
- A Beginner's Guide to Dog Shows
- Getting Started Showing Your Dog
- Frequently Asked Conformation QuestionsCan I enter my dog in the show?
- AKC Rules and Regulations
- A Beginner's Guide to Agility
- Getting Started Showing Your Dog
- Getting Started in Obedience
- Getting Started in Rally
How do I register my dog with AKC?
In order for a dog to be individually registered with the AKC, it must be part of an AKC-registered litter. When you purchase a purebred puppy, the breeder should provide you with an Individual Dog Registration Application to fill out, sign, and send to the AKC with the appropriate registration fee. In many cases you can register your dog online.
How do I register my dog with AKC if it is a mixed breed?
The AKC Canine Partners Program enables dogs of mixed breeds to participate in AKC Rally, Obedience, Agility, and Coursing Ability events. Dogs registered as Canine Partners must be spayed or neutered; if you are registering a puppy, you must certify that you will have it spayed or neutered at the age recommended by your veterinarian. Wolf-dog hybrids are not eligible for the Canine Partners Program.
How do I make an entry?
To enter a dog, fill out an official AKC entry form and send it, with the appropriate entry fee, to the superintendent or show secretary, listed on the form.
Can I bring my dog to the show without an AKC registration?
No, only dogs that are entered in the show can be brought into the buildings.
How can I learn when certain breeds or events are scheduled?
Once show entries have closed, the superintendent or show secretary will publish a judging program. The judging program lists the schedule of events and judging, including the number of entries in each breed, the time judging for the breed begins, and the ring in which the breed is being judged.