West Friendship, Maryland • January 23–24, 2027
Two all-breed shows. One fairgrounds. The Carroll Kennel Club returns to its January weekend after the 2026 winter-storm cancellation.
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What is this show?
The Carroll Kennel Club holds two all-breed AKC conformation shows — Saturday and Sunday, January 23–24, 2027 — at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship, Maryland.
The 2027 weekend is a comeback: the club’s January 2026 shows were cancelled when a major winter storm made travel unsafe for judges, workers, and club members. This year the club returns to its late-January dates with two days of all-breed judging under superintendent Jim Rau Dog Shows, Ltd. (AKC events 2027014901/03).
At a glance
- Where: Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship, MD 21794
- When: Saturday, January 23 – Sunday, January 24, 2027
- Entries close: Wednesday, January 6, 2027 (superintendent Jim Rau Dog Shows, Ltd.)
- Entry fee: pending the 2027 premium
- Format: 2 all-breed shows, one per day
Why go?
The Mid-Atlantic’s January all-breed weekend is back. After the 2026 weather cancellation, the Carroll Kennel Club returns to West Friendship with two days of all-breed judging — a convenient winter weekend for exhibitors across Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, and New Jersey.
Fairgrounds practical. The Howard County Fairgrounds sits just off I-70 between Baltimore and Frederick, with indoor winter showing and easy highway access.
Specialty watch. Breed clubs have historically held specialties at the fairgrounds alongside the Carroll weekend — check the premium for concurrent specialties when it publishes.
Day by day
One all-breed show each day, January 23–24.
- Saturday, Jan. 23 — Carroll Kennel Club all-breed show.
- Sunday, Jan. 24 — Carroll Kennel Club all-breed show.
Who’s judging?
The 2027 premium list is not yet published. Best in Show, group, and breed judge assignments will be listed here when the premium is out; ring times arrive with the official judging program. See the ThePetAdvisor show page for this event for updates.
How to enter (entries close January 6)
Entries close Wednesday, January 6, 2027, through superintendent Jim Rau Dog Shows, Ltd. See the 2027 premium for online and mail entry details when it publishes.
Staying near West Friendship
The shows are held at the Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship, MD 21794, just off I-70 between Baltimore and Frederick.
Hotels: pet-friendly options in the Columbia area, about 12–15 miles from the fairgrounds, include Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbia (two pets up to 75 lbs), TownePlace Suites by Marriott Columbia (two pets up to 80 lbs, $75 per stay), La Quinta Inn & Suites Columbia/Fort Meade, Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia, and DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia. Fly into Baltimore/Washington International (BWI). Always confirm the current pet policy when booking.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Carroll Kennel Club show?
It is a two-show all-breed AKC weekend held January 23–24, 2027, at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship, Maryland — hosted by the Carroll Kennel Club, with superintendent Jim Rau Dog Shows, Ltd.
When is the 2027 Carroll Kennel Club show?
Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24, 2027 — one all-breed show each day.
What happened to the 2026 Carroll Kennel Club shows?
The January 2026 shows (scheduled January 24–25, 2026) were cancelled when a major winter storm made travel unsafe for judges, workers, and club members. The 2027 weekend is the club’s return to its January dates.
Are entries still open for the 2027 Carroll Kennel Club shows?
Yes — entries close Wednesday, January 6, 2027, through superintendent Jim Rau Dog Shows, Ltd. Entry fees are pending the 2027 premium.
Can I attend if I did not enter a dog?
Yes. Dog shows are open to the public and spectators are welcome at the rings at the Howard County Fairgrounds.
Where do exhibitors stay for the Carroll shows?
Pet-friendly options in the Columbia area, about 12–15 miles from the fairgrounds, include Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbia, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Columbia, La Quinta Inn & Suites Columbia/Fort Meade, Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia, and DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia. Fly into BWI.
Planning your show season?
Create your free ThePetAdvisor account — track your dogs, plan your weekends, and never miss a closing date.
See the full show page: dates, clubs, fees, specialties, and the judging programs