As a rule, single breed dog shows with the highest entries are hosted by each breed’s parent club, but there is an exception: The Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac. More than 700 Labs participate at many of the club’s annual shows, and to our knowledge, the LRCP Specialty Show in 2014 had 1,200 of the country’s top rated Labrador Retrievers competing in conformation, rally and obedience trials making it the largest single breed dog show in the world (Mayor Randy McClement even proclaimed the week of the show to be “National Labrador Retriever Week). Only the Golden Retriever Club of America National Specialty in 2005 came close with 849 dogs competing in official classes (though many more probably factored into total entry figures).

Founded in 1973 to represents the interests of the breed in Virginia, Maryland, and surrounding areas, the LRCP became only the third regional Lab Specialty Club (after Southern California and Hawaii) to be officially recognized by the AKC parent club. For a Lab enthusiast, the LRCP Specialty Show may be the most important event for the breed, some say more significant than Westminster, the AKC National Championship, or the National Dog Show. It’s an important showcase for the breed not only because it showcases the versatility of the breed including its working capabilities, but because it also raises funds for Lab rescue efforts.

Spring Specialty events of 2020 are coming up in April, and you can get details here.

Image: “Blacklight” by Molly A Poole
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