Dog Shows started out as a novelty side show at livestock fairs or a comparison of a hunters’ dog merits at the local pub in the 1850’s. By the late 19th century, dog shows had become a money making way of entertaining and educating the public. They became major events attended mostly by the wealthy and held at grand exhibition halls. It was here that fanciers of their chosen breeds could promote their dogs and, if winning their classes, could prove their merits as well.
