Premier

June 13-15, 2025
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! 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. Spectators are invited to see these dogs in action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Event Highlights / 9am-3pm Daily

Friday-Sunday: Conformation, Dock Jumping, Agility, and more! Indoors and outdoors.

Admission is free. Parking is just $5/vehicle.

Are chairs allowed?

Yes, spectators may bring chairs.

Is there food available?

Yes! Food vendors are located on site. Local food trucks will have excellent menu options!

Will there be dog equipment vendors?

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

What time will there be the most to see each day?

At dog shows, many sports occur simultaneously. At UKC Premier Nationals, there are ten, yes ten, different sports owners have pre-entered for going on throughout each day all weekend long. Most dogs and owners will do at least three different sports per day. The busiest times to see the most dogs will be roughly 9am-2pm or 3pm.

What else do I need to know?

Spectators are welcome to stand or sit ringside during every sport. Each sport takes place in a specific area, called a ring. Please remain at least 6-feet away from the ring barrier. Though we love dogs, all dogs on the grounds have been pre-entered in this National level event. Please leave all pet dogs at home.

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, agility, precision coursing, and even 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.

Can my kids pet the dogs?

Always ask permission to pet a dog. Never put your fingers in a dog crate or touch a dog unless the owner has explicity provided permission. 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.

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

Sport locations are available on the event map. 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. The event fields outside are on grass. 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 5th, 2025.

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.