The Michigan Winter Dog Classic returns for another year of tail-wagging fun at the Suburban Collection Showcase in Novi, Jan. 16-29, 2020.
“We consider the show the first major family event in the Tri-County area of the year,” says Alan Dorfman, the former president of the Oakland County Kennel Club and former show chairman for the Michigan Winter Dog Classic.
The nonprofit event brings more than 7,000 dogs together to participate in performance events like barn hunt, dock diving and the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Testing.
More than 50 vendors are participating with products ranging from super tough dog toys to whimsical dog-themed art. For those searching for a new furry family member, Friday and Saturday’s Meet the Breeds event lets people explore over 160 different dog breeds to find the best-fitting pooch.
Also included in the four-day festivities is the My Dog Can Do That! American Kennel Club event, which gives pet owners a chance to try out agility courses under the supervision of a professional trainer.
Fans of the Westminster Dog Show can get a sneak peek of its future competitors, too, as many of the dogs competing in the prestigious New York dog show also make appearances at the Michigan Winter Dog Classic.
Before Rumor the German Shepherd won Best of Breed and Best of Group among herding breeds at the Westminster Dog Show in 2016, she made an appearance at the Michigan Winter Dog Classic and swept the Best of Show category all four days.
“If you’re 90 years old or if you’re 3 years old, it’s a great way to learn about dogs,” says Dorfman.
The Michigan Winter Dog Classic is one of the only dog shows to invite the public to bring its own dogs. Just be sure to bring along rabies vaccine records, a non-retractable 4- to 6-foot leash and your favorite furry friend.
The event is scheduled for 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday and 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Parking is $5 and admission prices are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and kids ages 5-17. Kids under 5 are free.
For more details on the Michigan Winter Dog Classic and other family fun things to do this weekend in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor, visit the Metro Parent calendar.
This post was originally published in 2017 and is updated regularly.
