The Detroit Kennel Club instituted the Best Puppy in Show competition to showcase the stars of tomorrow. As the American Kennel Club defines a puppy as under one year of age, only those entered in the 6 to 9 month and 9 to 12 month puppy classes are eligible. Please note that in 2009, Best Puppy in Show competition will be held on Saturday, February 28. The competition was moved to Saturday in order to make it a little easier on the young dogs.

This AKC approved event allows the puppy class winners in each breed to be judged immediately following Best of Breed to determine Best Puppy. An entry in the puppy class that is awarded Best of Winners or Best of Breed would automatically be Best Puppy. If a puppy wins a regular group first prior to the Puppy Group judging, they will automatically be awarded the first in the Puppy Group.

This is for all puppies entered in conformation in any of the seven groups. No additional fess are required. The puppy classes are 6 - 9 months and 9 - 12 months.

First through Fourth Place in each group will be awarded, with the group winner going on to Best Puppy in Show. Tentative judges for breed, groups and Best in Show can be found below.

Prizes

Best Puppy in Show
$100 cash & 9" Polished Pewter Bowl offered by the Detroit Kennel Club
Purina Pro Plan "Best in Show" Grooming Bag offered by Purina

Best Puppy in each group
Rosette & 5" Pewter Cup offered by the Detroit Kennel Club
Purina Pro Plan Rolling Duffle Bag offered by Purina

Second through Fourth in each group
Rosette offered by the Detroit Kennel Club

Best Puppy in each breed
DKC Medallion offered by the Detroit Kennel Club

Puppy 6-9 months and 9-12 month class winners
Bag of Carvers Treats offered by Purina

Judges

The following are the 2009 Puppy Group Judges. The Detroit Kennel Club reserves the right to replace a judge should the assigned judge become unavailable.

Best Puppy in Show: Mrs. Knowlton A. Reynders
Sporting: Ms. Beverly R. Andersen
Hound: Mr. Edmund Dziuk
Working: Mr. William Sahloff
Terrier: Mr. Darryl Vice
Toy: Mrs. Mary Ann Alston
Non-Sporting: Mrs. Connie S. Clapp
Herding: Mr. George Murray

To view the results of the 2008 Best Puppy competition, click here.