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Total Dog Invitational

December 14-16, 2023 in Lexington, Kentucky!

A major event, by invitation only, just for Total Dogs!

To enter, all dogs MUST qualify prior to the event.


  • This exciting event is the pinnacle of the UKC Total Dog program and "Dogs That Do More™" by showcasing the versatility of purebred dogs. Altered dogs are eligible.
  • The UKC Total Dog Invitational event is the most distinguished event for Total Dogs, giving those hardworking dogs and owners the chance to compete for a grand prize of $10,000.
  • Dogs must be qualified by September 1, 2023
  • Entries for qualified dogs open October 4, 2023
  • Entries close on November 10, 2023

The three-day event will offer performance and conformation. Dogs will earn performance points based on their qualifying scores. The event will conclude on Saturday with conformation and a formal awards dinner. Dogs that have qualified in at least one performance event will compete in a randomly selected conformation group where they will earn conformation points. Performance and conformation points will be calculated, and the top ten dogs will be announced at the evenings banquet.

Total Dog Grand Prize $10,000

Important TDI Documents

2023 Total Dog Invitational - Group Assignments (PDF)
2023 Total Dog Invitational - Judging Program (PDF)
2023 Total Dog Invitational - Premium List (PDF)
2023 Total Dog Invitational - Official Rules (PDF)
Download 2024 Club RQE application (PDF)

2022 Total Dog Invitational Top Ten Placements

Hotel Accommodations

Embassy Suites Lexington / UK Coldstream
Address: 1801 Newton Pike, Lexington KY 40511
Rate: $119.00
Pet Fee: $50.00 per room per stay
Cut Off Date to Book: 5pm CST on Sunday, November 12, 2023
How to Book: Call 1800-EMBASSY mentioning UKC TDI or book through the link

Fairfield by Marriott
Address: 2100 Hackney Place, Lexington, KY 40511
Rate: $99.00
Pet Fee: $25 per day (max fee $75) 2 dog max
Cut off Date to Book: Monday, November 13, 2023
How to Book: Call 859-977-5870 mentioning UKC TDI or book this the link

RQE's

Host Club Location Dates Sports Offered
Host Club

UKC Eastern Classic

Location

Virginia Beach, VA

Dates

September 29 - October 1, 2023

Sports Offered

Conformation, Rally, Weight Pull

Host Club

UKC Southern Classic

Location

Belton, TX

Dates

November 17-19, 2023

Sports Offered

Conformation, Rally, Obedience, Weight Pull, Nosework

Host Club

River Region Kennel Club

Location

Autaugaville, AL

Dates

February 10-11, 2024

Sports Offered

Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Precision Coursing

Host Club

UKC Midwest Classic

Location

Columbia, MO

Dates

March 1-3, 2024

Sports Offered

Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Nosework

Host Club

UKC Southern Classic

Location

Batesville, MS

Dates

May 3-5, 2024

Sports Offered

Conformation, Rally, Weight Pull, Nosework, Precision Coursing

Host Club

MN Spring Cluster

Location

Hutchinson, MN

Dates

May 4-5, 2024

Sports Offered

Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Nosework, Weight Pull, Precision Coursing

Host Club

American Pit Bull Terrier Club of New England with Dog Obedience Guidance School

Location

Westfield, MA

Dates

May 25-26, 2024

Sports Offered

Conformation, Rally, Weight Pull

Host Club

UKC Premier Nationals

Location

Kalamazoo, MI

Dates

June 14-18, 2024

Sports Offered

Conformation, Agility, Lure Coursing, Obedience, Rally, Weight Pull, Precision Coursing, Nosework, Dock Jumping

Host Club

All American Bull Dog Club with Trail Creek Dog Training Club

Location

Shipshewana, IN

Dates

July 11-14, 2024

Sports Offered

Conformation, Rally, Nosework, Weight Pull, Precision Coursing

Host Club

UKC Western Classic

Location

Longview, WA

Dates

August 2-4, 2024

Sports Offered

Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Weight Pull, Precision Coursing

Host Club

Middle Georgia Kennel Club

Location

Perry, GA

Dates

September 1-4, 2024

Sports Offered

Conformation, Rally, Weight Pull

Host Club

Additional Event Info

What is a UKC Total Dog?
A UKC Total Dog displays equal parts temperament, function, and structure.

The UKC Total Dog philosophy places an emphasis on dogs who shine in multiple disciplines. A sound, well-bred, well-adjusted dog can easily transition from the show ring to a performance event. They have the looks to excel as a proper specimen of their breed, while also having the brains and ability to perform athletically in a variety of sporting events.

How Do I Qualify My Dog?
All dogs must be pre-qualified by earning a Total Dog award at a Regional Qualifying Event (RQE) held between August 1, 2022 and September 1, 2023. UKC Classics are considered RQEs. UKC clubs that are planning an event featuring conformation plus a performance event may apply to be considered an RQE.

Can My Club Host an RQE?
Clubs must submit an RQE application by the deadline to hold an RQE. Email completed applications to allbreedsports@ukcdogs.com or mail to the UKC office (ATTN: All-Breed Sports).

Event Committee

Superintendents: UKC | Email UKC

Eligibility Disclaimer

The contest is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law. The UKC reserves the right to reject entries from countries, states and jurisdictions where such sweepstakes are prohibited or restricted.

The UKC reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to refuse, disqualify or withdraw any entry at any time. The UKC will not be responsible for any injury, damage or loss of any kind arising out of your participation in the UKC Total Dog Challenge. YOU AGREE TO RELEASE, DISCHARGE, AND HOLD HARMLESS UKC, ITS AFFILIATES, SUBSIDIARIES, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AGENTS AND ASSIGNS FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LOSSES, INJURIES, OR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM PARTICIPATION IN THE UKC TOTAL DOG CHALLENGE. Except where prohibited by law, by accepting a prize, winner grants UKC a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license to use winner and his/her dogs name, photograph, voice and/or likeness without further authorization, compensation, or renumeration of any kind for promotion and other publicity purposes in any and all media now or hereafter known throughout the world.

Eukanuba Official performance dog nutrition partner of UKC Dogtra Total Dog Invitational logo

Event Reminders

  • Club RQE application deadline: January 5, 2024
  • Competitor qualification window: September 29, 2023 - September 1, 2024

News

View Archived 'All-Breed Sports News' >

About

To earn a Total Dog award at a UKC show, a dog must place in a performance and conformation in the same day or weekend. The combined ability to compete in multiple disciplines is a testament to training, breeding, and time spent. Historically, UKC Classics and UKC Premier offer the largest Total Dog competitions. Building on the importance of recognizing the well-rounded dog, the UKC Total Dog Invitational is an entire event dedicated solely to Total Dogs. The pre-qualification requirements encourage competition and training in the year leading up to the TDI, and the points-based placements at the TDI ask for precision and teamwork between dog and handler throughout the weekend. A $10,000 payout awaits the first place team!