Annapolis Kennel Club 2027: Everything You Need to Know

What is Annapolis Kennel Club 2027?

The Annapolis Kennel Club's January weekend is the Mid-Atlantic's mid-winter all-breed stop: two all-breed conformation shows, Saturday and Sunday, at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship, Maryland. The 2026 edition drew over 1,000 dogs each day — a big, competitive indoor winter weekend.

Jim Rau Dog Shows' upcoming-shows calendar confirms the January 16 & 17 dates and the December 30 closing date. Rau has superintended this club's shows for years.

The days

• Sat, Jan 16 — Annapolis Kennel Club — all-breed show
• Sun, Jan 17 — Annapolis Kennel Club — all-breed show

Can you still enter?

Not yet. As of mid-October 2026, the 2027 premium list has not been published, so entries are not yet open. Entries close Wednesday, December 30, 2026, through Jim Rau Dog Shows, Ltd. at raudogshows.com. Entry fees are not yet published.

Why go

Over 1,000 dogs a day makes this one of the biggest January weekends on the East Coast — deep competition, majors for many breeds, and a full winter crowd. It's an easy weekend trip from Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia, and Northern Virginia, and the fairgrounds location puts you in the I-70 corridor with plenty of nearby lodging.

Planning your visit

The venue

Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship, MD 21794, on Maryland Route 144 between Baltimore and Frederick.

Getting there

Fly into Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), about 35 miles southeast, or Washington Dulles (IAD), about 60 miles southwest.

Where to stay

Most lodging is in Columbia, about 15 miles southeast: the Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbia is pet friendly (2 pets up to 75 lbs, $75 for 1–5 nights); also pet friendly are the La Quinta Inn & Suites Columbia/Fort Meade and the Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia. Confirm the current pet policy when booking.

Frequently asked questions