Premier

June 16-18, 2023
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo County Fairground & Expo Center, 2900 Lake St, Kalamazoo, MI 49048

What is UKC Premier Nationals?
UKC Premier Nationals is an annual Celebration of the UKC Total Dog, since 1994! What is a Total Dog? A UKC Total Dog is a dog that is well-rounded and has the temperament and structure to perform a performance sport or a function for which it was bred. Total Dogs are the whole package! Spectators are invited to see these dogs in action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Event Highlights

Wednesday: Independent Breed Specialites
Thursday: Top Ten & All Star Invitational Competition
Friday daytime: Premier Dog Show (9am-4pm). Dock Jumping and more!
Friday evening: NEW! Pups & Trucks (4pm-8pm) - food trucks & dog sport demonstrations, including an appearance by a Kalamazoo Public Safety K-9! Spectators are encouraged to attend.
Saturday: Premier Dog Show (9am-4pm). Dock Jumping and more! Best In Show event: approximately 6pm.
Sunday: Premier Dog Show (9am-4pm). Dock Jumping and more! Best In Show event: approximately 6pm.

Are chairs allowed?

Yes, spectators may bring chairs.

Are bags allowed?

Yes, spectators may carry personal items in bags.

Is there food available?

Yes! Food vendors are located on site. Make food truck dinner plans with us on Friday night from 4-8pm. Local food trucks will have excellent menu options!

Will there be equipment vendors?

Yes! Plan for shopping. There will be multiple dog supply vendors on site.

What Time Is Best to Attend?

At dog shows, many sports occur simultaneously. At UKC Premier Nationals, there are ten, yes ten, different sports owners have pre-entered their dogs to participate in throughout each day all weekend long. Most dogs and owners will do at least three different sports per day!

• On Friday night, join us from 4-8pm for dog sport demonstrations and a food truck rally! Admissioin to Friday night demonstrations and access to food vendors is free.
• On Saturday & Sunday, most sports will begin between 8:30am and 9am. They will occur throughout the day until each dog has had its turn, often with a lunch break somewhere around noon. Most sports will be wrapping up around 4pm. Conformation, in the Main Expo, will run later on Saturday during the special Total Dog competition. Admission from 9am-4pm Friday-Sunday is $5/car.

Where do I go to watch?

Spectators are welcome to stand or sit ringside during every sport. Each sport takes place in a specific area, often called a ring. Please remain at least 10-feet away from the ring barrier. At UKC Premier Nationals, there are more than a dozen separate rings to house the ten separate sports. Each ring is designated for a specific use, and sports with lots of entries are divided between multiple rings to allow more dogs to have a turn throughout the day.

What sports are outside and what sports are inside?

Inside the Main Expo Center:conformation, obedience, and rally obedience. Each of these sports is held in its entirely own room. There are three separate conformation rings inside, as well as two rally and two obedience rings. Talk about busy!

Outside in the Event Field:dock jumping (just look for the pool!), lure coursing, drag racing, agility, precision coursing, and more conformation. Each sport is contained within its own ring area to avoid dogs unknowingly interfering with their neighbors in the sport next door. And dont forget to check out the outer barns! In the open-air barns you will find nosework and weight pull.

What should I know about dog show etiquette?

UKC Premier Nationals is an event with friendly competition that our competitors work all year for. It is one of the largest events in the country. Owners will be happy to tell you all about their dogs and their breeds.However, please be mindful of interrupting owners as they get ready to compete and please always ask for and receive permission before petting any dogs. When spectating, avoid loud noises and quick movements so as to not distracted the canine athletes. Unless, of course, you are sitting pool-side. In that case, cheer as loud as you can!

How do I know where to find a specific breed or sport to watch?

Ask a UKC team member or visit the Help Desk, located in the Main Expo Center.

Are the grounds accessible and kid-friendly?

Absolutely. We encourage you to bring your children, friends, grandparents and anyone else who loves dogs. From the parking lot to the Main Expo Center (indoors), you will find paved walkways. Access to the outside event field is made easy via a paved walkway as well. Strollers are welcomed.

Can I bring my dog?

Though we love dogs, we ask that pet dogs not pre-entered in the event stay home. The pre-entry deadline for this National level event was May 8th, 2023.

Can we pet the dogs?

You are welcome to ask owners if you can pet their dogs. Please keep in mind, as all dogs on the grounds are entered in competitive events throughout the day, they might be busy running from one event to the next. Dogs and owners will appreciate your patience in waiting for permission before petting any dogs. We ask that you please respect the decision of any owners.

What if it rains?

The good news is, UKC Premier Nationals always goes rain or shine! There's lots to see inside and out. The Main Expo Center is air-conditioned and features dog activities all day long. Covered viewing areas make most of the outdoor events spectator-friendly no matter the weather. However, lightning will result in a pause in the outdoor action.