Dog Show

This year's judges will be announced at a later date.

The exhibitor letter will be added in June 2026.

ADDITIONAL
For complete sets of rules and regulations for each show discipline refer to:
www.go.osu.edu/osfdogs


DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR
Barb Cline
tricolorcollies@aol.com


DEPARTMENT STAFF
Shelly Harris Assistant Director & Chief Ring Steward
Susan Breech Showmanship Superintendent
Kristen VanNess Obedience, Agility, & Rally Superintendent
Hannah Campbell Assistant Ring Steward
Marcie Dryden You & Your Dog Superindent
Sonja Hyer Skillathon Superintendent
Diane Jones Registration & Scoring Superintendent
Sue Westfall Health Check Superintendent
Lori Zakel Knowles Announcer
Pattie Stover OSF Titles & Hospitality

DIVISION 901: JUNIOR DOG
Judging
Sunday July 19 - Tuesday, July 23, 2026

Agility
Friday, July 31, 2026

Entries close June 21 at 1 p.m.

ONLINE ENTRY
You MUST enter online at www.ohiostatefair.com.

Exhibitors should keep their exact login information (username/password).

Terms and conditions are subject to change, including, but not limited to premiums.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Special Rules
Classes
Awards
NPGA Registered Does
NPGA Registered Bucks
Grounds Rules

Below are the rules for participating in the 2026 Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Dog Show. It is your responsibility to read, understand, and follow these rules. Please refer to the County‐Use of Ohio/ OSF Dog Rules and Regulations at http://go.osu.edu/osfdogs on how these rules can be modified for county use.

Prior to participating in 4‐H dog activities with a dog (which includes the Ohio State Fair Dog Show), a 2026 Permission to Participate in Ohio 4‐H Dog Activities Disclosure and Release of Claims form MUST be signed by the 4‐H member and a parent or guardian for this year’s 4‐H dog projects. This form for the current year must be on file in the county Extension office for each youth before they can participate in the Ohio 4‐H Dog Program activities with a dog.

Individuals who violate any rule and/or exhibit poor sportsmanship during the Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Dog Show will be disqualified from showing.

Any dog exhibiting unsafe or threatening behavior at any time before, during, or after exhibition MUST be removed from the fairgrounds and will not be permitted to return at any time throughout the Dog Show. Determination of the show committee and/or judge will be final.

A dog that snaps, bites, or attempts to bite while in the ring must be immediately excused from the ring and then removed from the Fairgrounds for the remainder of the Dog Show.

Individuals are not permitted to have any discussion with judges at any time throughout the Dog Show. (This does not include discussions or questions during Agility or Rally Briefings or Walkthroughs.) Determinations of the Show Committee and/or Judges are FINAL.

Judges’ judging and scoring decisions are FINAL.

Individuals with concerns must express them in writing, give them to Show Personnel, and those concerns will be discussed at the fall Ohio 4‐H Dog Advisory Committee meeting. Confrontations with judges and/or show personnel may result in disqualification of exhibitor and removal of individuals from the Fairgrounds.

Ohio State Fair Dog Show information can be found at http://go.osu.edu/osfdogs.

RULES
PROJECT ELIGIBILITY
Youth must be enrolled in 4‐H, and ages 8 and in the third grade, or 9 years old and older regardless of grade level, as of January 1, 2026, with the last year of eligibility, or participation, in 4‐H being the year in which the individual turns 19.

Youth must be enrolled in the correct dog project to show in classes at the State Fair as follows:

·You and Your Dog, Project No. 201D – to show in You and Your Dog classes; Obedience, Project No. 201O – to show in Beginner Novice, Pre‐Novice, Novice, Graduate Novice, Open, Graduate Open, Utility, Brace, Team, and Rally classes; Showmanship, Project No. 201S – to show in Showmanship classes; Performance Dog, Project No. 201P – to show in Scent Work. Agility, Drill Team, and Freestyle; Working Dog, Project No. 201W – to show in the Assistance Dog classes; 4‐H PetPALS, Project No. 230 ‐ to show in the 4‐H PetPALS class (Youth do not need to enroll in the Working Dog project to participate in 4‐H PetPALS at the State Fair.)

4‐H members can be enrolled in any 4‐H Dog Project to participate in the Poster Contest; and

Any 4‐H member, regardless of 4‐H project, as well as FFA members, can participate in the Dog Skillathon.

FFA members are eligible to show provided they meet school FFA dog project requirements, as well as the 2026 Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Dog Show Rules and entry requirements. This includes ownership requirements.

Project eligibility and class or classes entered must be determined at the county level, based on the experience and ability of the handler/dog team. Extension 4‐H educators must verify the youth is a member in good standing in their county to be able to participate at the Ohio State Fair.

Prior to showing at the Ohio State Fair, the exhibitor is expected to understand and agree to follow the 2026 Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Dog Show Rules, including the exercises to be performed for the judge, and to be able to perform those exercises prior to the Ohio State Fair Dog Show.

PROJECT ELIGIBILITY
Only domestic dogs can be shown. Wolf and wolf hybrids are not permitted.

All dogs exhibited must be six months of age by the date of the show. This includes Pilot Dog puppies and other assistance dogs. Dogs exhibited in Agility must be 18 months or older by the date of the show. Proof of age is the burden of the exhibitor or exhibitor’s immediate family. Dogs not meeting this age requirement cannot be shown.

Dogs shown at the Ohio State Fair Dog Show must be the same project dogs taken by 4‐H members at the county level.

DOG ELIGIBILITY
OWNERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY
Dogs participating in the Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Dog Show must either be owned by the junior fair exhibitor or the exhibitor’s immediate family.

Ownership of Assistance Dogs is respective of each applicable organization.

Dogs must be in the continual care of the junior fair exhibitor for the duration of the project.

The date of ownership must be no later than April 1, or earlier as the date specified by the exhibitor's county.

Proof of ownership is the burden of the exhibitor and exhibitor's family.

Hardship cases will not be considered for State Fair participation.

Leasing a dog is not permitted for State Fair Dog Show participation. If counties have a leasing program, leased dogs are not permitted to exhibit at the State Fair.

Sharing a dog at the county level is not permitted for State Fair Dog Show participation, except for You and Your Dog. Siblings will be permitted to share a dog in the You and Your Dog class at the Ohio State Fair. Dogs cannot be shared in Obedience, Showmanship, Performance or Working events. If two youth share a dog at the county level in classes other than You and Your Dog, neither youth is eligible to show that dog at the Ohio State Fair, including 4-H Agility competition and 4-H PetPALS.

Immediate family is defined as the junior fair exhibitor’s father, mother, legal guardian, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, grandfather, or grandmother, including the corresponding step and half relations, or by a member of the exhibitor’s household.

Continual care is defined as the junior fair exhibitor being responsible for and involved in the feeding, cleaning, and caring of the project.

Hardship cases are defined as dogs that replace the original project enrolled by the exhibitor after the county’s enrollment deadline, or no later than April 1.

DEFINITIONS OF OWNERSHIP
Ownership – Registered dogs: The exhibitor’s name, or a member of his/her immediate family’s name, must appear on the registration certificate of a dog registered by AKC, UKC, individual breed registries, herding dog registries, etc. Co‐ownership of a dog is permitted provided the exhibitor’s name, or a member of his/her immediate family’s name, is listed on the registration certificate. It is recommended that a copy of the registration certificate be on file in the county Extension office.

Ownership – Non‐registered purchased dogs: A non‐registered dog purchased from a private owner, pet shop, humane society, dog rescue, etc., must have the exhibitor’s name or a member of his/her immediate family’s name, on the bill of sale. It is recommended that a copy of this bill of sale be on file in the county Extension office.

Ownership – Dogs found/gifts: If a dog was given to the exhibitor or immediate family, or found by the exhibitor or immediate family, the exhibitor or a member of his/her immediate family receiving or finding the dog should verify the date received or found by use of veterinary records, dog licenses, and other forms of records, and write a statement as to the definite or approximate date the dog was received as a gift or found. It is recommended that a copy of this statement be on file in the county Extension office.

TRAINING
Lessons, instruction, and advice for the exhibitor are encouraged. As long as the exhibitor is present in the learning situation and handles or trains the dog the majority of the time present, such assistance can include occasional handling or training by another person. Only the exhibitor can train the dog at any type of training class on or after April 1, 2026.

The judge will not permit an exhibitor to train or practice any exercise in the show ring at any time.

Any dog exhibiting unsafe or threatening behavior at any time before, during, or after exhibition MUST be removed from the fairgrounds and will not be permitted to return at any time throughout the Dog Show. Determination of the show committee and/or judge will be final.

The judge or show officials will immediately excuse from the ring any dog exhibiting unsafe or threatening behavior.

The judge will immediately excuse any dog that appears dangerous to other dogs or exhibitors.

Any dog that snaps, bites, or attempts to bite any person or dog while in the show ring will immediately be excused.

If a judge determines that a bitch in the ring is in season or appears to be so attractive to males as to be a disturbing element, the bitch is immediately excused. The judge shall not obtain the opinion of the health check officials.

Any uncontrolled behavior such as barking, running away from its handler, etc., will be penalized according to the seriousness of the misbehavior, whether it occurs during or between exercises, or before or after judging.

Any dog not under its handler’s control may be excused from competition.

MISBEHAVIOR AND EXCUSALS FOR DOGS ON THE FAIRGROUNDS, SHOW ARENA, OR IN THE SHOW RING
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
Any exhibitor or other person(s) abusing a dog will be removed from the fairgrounds.

The judge or show officials will dismiss from the ring any exhibitor abusing the dog, which will result in disqualification of exhibitor and removal from the Fairgrounds.

Judges and/or show officials have the right to deduct points from the Sportsmanship category on the exhibitor’s score sheet if unsportsmanlike conduct is displayed at any time throughout the 4‐H dog show prior to or during judging.

Judges and/or show officials have the right to disqualify any participant exhibiting poor sportsmanship at any time throughout the 4‐H Dog Show from showing, participating in activities, or from receiving any awards.

Any handler who willfully interferes with another competitor or that competitor’s dog will be excused from competition.

Exhibitors, parents, volunteers, and other individuals verbally and/or physically abusive or threatening to show personnel will be removed from the Fairgrounds, and exhibitors will be disqualified.

Show officials have the right to order the removal from the Fairgrounds anyone showing unsportsmanlike conduct.

Exhibitors must check in at their show ring within 15 minutes after being called to their ring. Exhibitors who do not check in at their show ring within 15 minutes after being called will have sportsmanship points deducted on their score sheets.

No one other than the junior fair exhibitor is permitted to show the project dog(s) at any type of dog show, including agility, field trials, rally trials, etc., as well as fun matches, on or after April 1, 2026. (Excluding You and Your Dog only, if siblings share a dog)

No one other than the junior fair exhibitor is permitted to take the project dog(s) on animal‐assisted activities (pet therapy) visits, on or after April 1, 2026. Any exceptions must be approved by the State 4‐H Dog Advisory Committee.

Eligibility for showing in an “A” class is defined as “no training or showing experience for the handler and/or dog prior to the county’s current project year.” (A new “project year” typically begins following the exhibitor’s county fair, or State Fair if after the OSF exhibitor’s county fair, or county’s 4‐H awards program. Check with your county Extension office for your county’s policy.) Handlers and/or dogs not meeting this requirement MUST show in a “B” class. Refer to “A” class information in the rules for each show discipline.

Junior Fair exhibitors in respective activities and classes are expected to perform in those events and demonstrate those skills which are listed in these 2026 Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Dog Show Rules, in the Ohio 4‐H Dog Resource Handbook, Ohio 4‐H Dog Project and Record Book, and on the various 2026 dog 4‐H judging score sheets.

Score sheets used in judging are posted under Resources at: go.osu.edu/dog. Counties MUST use these score sheets for evaluating 4‐H dog projects. Note: All applicable score sheets will have 2026 at the bottom of the score sheet.

Any additional information pertinent to the Ohio State Fair Dog Show will be posted on the website at www.go.osu.edu/osfdogs.


ONLY dogs shown by junior fair exhibitors are permitted on the Fairgrounds. Exceptions can be made for Ohio State Fair show personnel, judges, and volunteers, if requests are made to the State Fair Dog Show Director prior to the first day of the show. ALL dogs must comply with the2026 Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Dog Show health requirements.​
SHOWING
SAFETY AND SPORTSMANSHIP
Permission to Participate in Ohio 4‐H Dog Activities Disclosure and Release of Claims:

ALL youth enrolled in 4‐H dog projects are required to sign the 2026 Permission to Participate in Ohio 4‐H Dog Activities Disclosure and Release of Claims document. A parent or guardian is also required to sign the document. This document must be signed each year a youth enrolls in a 4‐H dog project and a copy MUST be kept on file at the county Extension office.

Exhibitors and parents/guardians verify they have this signed document on file at their county Extension office and understand and agree to information provided in this document, when signing the 2026 Ohio State Fair Dog Project Identification Form and Vaccination Certificate.

An exhibitor disciplining a dog in the show ring will be excused from further competition in that class.

The judge will not permit any handler to use excessive verbal commands or to move toward the dog to correct it.

Exhibitors are totally responsible for their dogs while on the Fairgrounds.

Dogs must be kept on leash while on the Fairgrounds, except when participating in the ring during judging.

Dogs must be kenneled in designated areas.

Exhibitors must clean up after their dogs.

Dogs are not permitted outside agility show venue and the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center except to load, unload, and use the marked Exercise Areas.

Dogs must not be left unattended.

Dogs are not permitted to wear any type of muzzle, prong/pinch collar, or electronic collar while on the fairgrounds.

Exhibitors will be disqualified if their dogs are seen wearing muzzles, prong/pinch collars, or electronic collars.

Only the exhibitor’s dog, exhibitor, and show officials are permitted in the show ring area at any time throughout the show.

Judges’ decisions are final. Exhibitors, parents, volunteers, and other individuals are not permitted to talk with judges at any time during the Dog Show, except during Agility or Rally briefings and walkthroughs. Discussion and/or confrontation with judges may result in disqualification of exhibitor and removal of individuals from the Fairgrounds.

Judges, show staff and 4‐H Dog Committee reserve the right to withhold class placements.

Dogs are not permitted to be dyed or colored in any way. If coat or nails show any evidence of dye or coloring, the score sheet will reflect a major point deduction.

OTHER LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Junior Fair exhibitors must list their dogs’ license tag numbers on the 2026 Ohio State Fair Dog Project Identification Form and Vaccination Certificate. Exception: Assistance Dogs licensed through their respective organizations.

The 2026 Ohio State Fair Dog Project Identification Form and Vaccination Certificate completed and signed by a licensed veterinarian is required for exhibition. The 2026 County Dog Project Identification Form and Vaccination Certificate is also permitted for use at the Ohio State Fair Dog Show and Ohio State Fair Agility Trial provided the vaccinations are current through the last day of the 2026 OSF Dog competition.

THESE ARE THE ONLY CERTIFICATES THAT WILL BE ACCEPTED AT HEALTH CHECK. HEALTH CHECK CERTIFICATE MUST BE IN PAPER FORM. ELECTRONIC COPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. These certificates must include ALL information requested in the Identification Form section, completed, signed, and dated by the exhibitor, and signed by the parent/guardian. The administering veterinarian must complete the information requested in the Vaccination Certificate section and may modify it as per Rule 3 in this section. Other certificates of vaccination, computerized vaccination records, pet record cards, or kennel records will not be accepted. It is the exhibitor's responsibility to make sure all health requirements for State Fair are met.

These certificates can be downloaded at: go.osu.edu/osfdogs.

The use of the 2026 County Dog Project Identification Form and Vaccination Certificate must be approved by the county 4‐H professional and must be used consistently throughout the respective county.

ALL dogs must have current Rabies vaccinations, administered by licensed veterinarians. Veterinarians must document on the 2026 Ohio State Fair Dog Project Identification Form and Vaccination Certificate or 2026 County Dog Project Identification Form and Vaccination Certificate whether the exhibitor’s dog’s rabies vaccination is current by filling in the “date expires” blank.

ALL dogs must be vaccinated for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus by licensed veterinarians. If the veterinarian does not administer certain vaccinations, those vaccinations must be noted by the administering veterinarian, either on the vaccination form or letterhead. The Ohio State Fair Dog Show officials will accept the veterinarian’s protocol for their client/patient. For the Ohio State Fair Dog Show and Ohio State Fair Agility Trial, all vaccinations must be current through the last day of the dog competition 2026. (Note: Vaccination deadlines for county fairs may differ.)

Titer testing will be accepted. Titer must be done within the 12-month period prior to the first day of the show. Veterinary must provide date tested and list of immunities. Dog must be vaccinated for diseases that show inadequate immunity, and those not covered under the titer.

Bordetella vaccination is recommended, but not required. Consult with your veterinarian.

Dogs CANNOT be shown at the Ohio State Fair if vaccinations are given by anyone other than a licensed veterinarian.

Any dogs exhibiting abnormalities or symptoms of sickness, disease, or parasite infestation as determined by the health check officials will be eliminated from the show and must be removed from the Fairgrounds. If a dog is under veterinary care for a health condition that is not infectious or contagious, the exhibitor must bring a health certificate from the attending veterinarian verifying the condition and treatment. Decision of the health check officials is final.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Bitches showing ANY signs of heat are not permitted on the Fairgrounds. They are not permitted to show!

Each dog must go through a health check each day shown, where all females will be checked for signs of heat. If a bitch shows any signs of heat, she will be eliminated from the show and must be removed from the Fairgrounds. Any bitch, which appears so attractive to males as to be a disturbing element, will be eliminated from the show and must be removed from the Fairgrounds. Decision of the health check officials is final.

Pregnant and/or lactating bitches are not permitted on the Fairgrounds and may not be shown.

Any male or female dog that is a disturbing element to other dogs will be eliminated from the show and must be removed from the Fairgrounds.

Before going to Registration, exhibitors must bring their dog(s) and 2026 Ohio State Fair Dog Project Identification Form and Vaccination Certificate(s) to Health Check each day they are showing.

Incomplete or falsified information on the 2026 Ohio State Fair Dog Project Identification Form and Vaccination Certificate or 2026 County Dog Project Identification Form and Vaccination Certificate is grounds for dismissal.

Correction tape or other forms of correction used to cover errors on the ID/Vaccination Certificates is NOT permitted.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
SCORES AND SCORE SHEETS FOR OHIO STATE FAIR DOG SHOW
Scores will be posted within a reasonable amount of time after each class has been judged. Exhibitors who are tied for the top fifteen places in their respective classes should remain until all classes in the same category are judged, in case of further ties. Failure to stay could mean forfeiture of a possible placing.

No one other than show management and judges may view exhibitors’ score sheets during the State Fair Dog Show.

Score sheets will be returned to the county Extension office about two weeks following the closing day of the State Fair. Score sheets will not be returned during the State Fair Dog Show.

Ohio State Fair Dog Show will require minimum scores for placements. Scores falling below the minimum score will not be eligible for placement. The scale is as follows:

Rally classes must score 100 points out of a possible 130 points.

You and Your Dog, Showmanship must score 190 points out of a possible 230 points.

Beginner Novice, Pre-Novice, and Preferred Novice, Novice, Grad Novice, Grad Open, Open, and Utility, obedience classes must score 180 points out of a possible 230.

Exhibitors showing their dogs at the Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Dog Show may apply for titling by recording State Fair achievements during their 4‐H careers. The junior fair participant, their parent/guardian, and 4‐H advisor must document achievements. The Ohio State Fair Championship Title is for the handler, regardless of the number of dogs shown.

STATE FAIR CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES
A 4‐H member may use multiple dogs the same year to earn points toward an OSF Championship Title provided the dogs are shown in different events. However, in one given year at the Ohio State Fair Dog Shows (2026), youth can receive no more than the following points per event, regardless of the number of dogs exhibited or classes entered in that event:


REQUIREMENTS

4‐H member may earn one Title per year regardless of the number of dogs shown.

4‐H member must accumulate 30 points to earn a Title.

Points will carry over from one year to the next.

Subsequent Titles will be awarded for each additional 30 points.

Points are recorded for the handler.

All State Fair Dog Show participation rules apply.


POINT SYSTEM - REGULAR CLASS

One (1) point will be awarded for participation in any of these State Fair events:
1. Freestyle
2. Drill Team
3. Rally
4. Scent Work*
5. Showmanship
6. You and Your Dog
7. Skillathon
8. Obedience

9. Pre/Advance Team
10. Brace
11. 4-H PetPALS
12. Assistance Dog
13. Poster Contest
14. Agility
15. AKC CGC*
16. AKC Trick Dog*​​​​​​​​
An additional 5 points for earning a gold medal in agility or placing 1 through 15 will be awarded per event, per year, regardless of the number of dogs entered in that event. For example: placement in ONE obedience class, regardless of the number of obedience classes exhibited = 5 points; placement in ONE rally class, regardless of the number of rally classes exhibited = 5 points; placement in ONE agility class, regardless of the number of agility classes exhibited = 5 points. Exhibitors must meet all of the criteria according to the score sheet to receive 5 points for the 4‐H PetPALS class. Exhibitors must meet all of the expectations according to the score sheet to receive 5 points for the Assistance Dog class.



POINT SYSTEM - REGULAR CLASS
For Scent Work, Trick Dog and CGC classes, exhibitors may earn points for participation only. An exhibitor may earn 1 point for participation in ONE Scent Work class, ONE Trick Dog class, and ONE CGC class.

Awards: A pin and T‐shirt will be presented to each exhibitor receiving his/her first Title at the Ohio State Fair during the Ohio State Fair Dog Show. Exhibitors receiving second titles, third titles, etc. will receive an award depending on sponsorship.

The purpose of the 4‐H Exhibitor Versatility Award (EVA) is to: (1) encourage youth to participate in several classes (including Skillathon and Poster) at the Ohio State Fair Dog Show, and (2) award youth for achieving excellence in the classes in which they are showing or participating. To earn a 4‐H Exhibitor Versatility Award, exhibitors must place in FIVE (5) classes as follows: (1) receive a gold medal in Agility; (2) meet all of the expectations according to the score sheet in the Assistance Dog class; (3) meet all of the criteria according to the score sheet in the 4‐H PetPALS dog class; (4) place in the top five in all classes receiving placings, including the Skillathon and Poster Contest. Youth violating any of the 2023 Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Dog Show Rules or with points taken off for poor sportsmanship will not be eligible for this award. An exhibitor must show in five (5) classes and earn one placing as described above per class, with one dog in each of those classes. The 4‐H Exhibitor Versatility Award is based on the number of classes, not number of dogs per class (i.e. for agility and rally). An exhibitor may earn one 4‐H Exhibitor Versatility Award a year.

4-H EXHIBITOR VERSATILITY AWARD
POINT SYSTEM - REGULAR CLASS
4-H EXHIBITOR VERSATILITY AWARD FORMS
Exhibitors must request an EVA form from the registration table. The exhibitor must keep track of their points toward earning the 4‐H Exhibitor Versatility Award on this form. Once enough points have been earned to receive this award the completed form must be turned I at the registration table for verification. After verification that points earned are adequate to receive this award, the award will be presented. Scent Work, CGC and Trick Dog classes are not eligible to be counted toward versatility.

ALL DOG SHOW (JULY 19-21) MUST BE MADE ONLINE BY 1:00 P.M., JUNE 21, 2026
AGILITY TRIAL ENTRIES (JULY 31) MUST BE MADE ONLINE BY 1:00 P.M., JUNE 21, 2026
LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!

ALL exhibitors MUST be pre‐entered online.

There will be NO day‐of‐show entries accepted for any classes.

ENTRY DEADLINES
Sunday, June 21, 1:00 pm Deadline for OSF Dog Show (July 19-21), including Drill Team.

Entries must be made online at http://ohiostatefair.com/livestock/. Access to online entries will close at 1:00 p.m., June 21.

Late entries will NOT be accepted.

Drill Team, Pre‐Novice Team and Advanced Team entries are to be made by the advisor/coach of the team. They must enter and pay for the number of dogs plus alternates on that team. After entry is made send Barb Prince b.prince@expo.ohio.gov a complete list of team participants with dog names. Both entry and email must be complete by deadline.

Monday June 29, 4:00 pm Deadline for Dog Poster Entries and Posters to be Received.

Mail or deliver entry forms and posters to OSF Dog Poster Contest, Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4‐H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43210. In person deliveries must be taken to the 3 floor.

Late entries may be accepted and displayed but will not be judged.

Sunday, June 21, 1:00 pm Deadline for OSF Agility Trial (July 31), Entries must be made online at https://go.osu.edu/osfagilityentries. Access to online entries will close at 1:00 p.m., June 21. Entry fees must be paid at the time of entry. Late entries will NOT be accepted.

ENTRY INFORMATION
Discipline – refers to a show category. Each of the following is a Discipline: Showmanship, Obedience (including Team and Brace), Rally, Agility, You and Your Dog, Drill Team, Canine Freestyle, 4‐H PetPALS, Assistance Dogs, Tricks, and Canine Good Citizen.

Level – refers to sub‐categories within certain disciplines. For example, Novice is a level in the Obedience discipline; Rally Excellent is a level in the Rally discipline.

Class – refers to the two classes within certain disciplines and/or discipline levels. The letters “A” and “B” refer to the experience of the youth and dog.

“A” classes are for handlers or dogs with NO training or showing experience prior to the county’s current project year. “A” classes can never be repeated by the same youth, regardless of what dog is shown. “A” classes can never be repeated by the same dog, regardless of what youth shows that dog. Refer to “A” class information in the rules for each show discipline.

“B” classes can be repeated by the same youth regardless of what dog is shown, and by the same dog, regardless of who shows that dog, provided the youth and/or dog are not the class winners (exception: Showmanship and You & Your Dog). If/when a youth and/or dog wins first place in a “B” class, the youth and dog must move to the next level (exception: Showmanship, You & Your Dog, and specified advanced obedience classes). A dog must move to a higher level within a discipline, once that dog begins performing at that higher level. (Refer to each of the show discipline’s rules for rules specific to that discipline.)

TERMINOLOGY
ELIGIBILITY
Youth may enter any of the disciplines, levels, and classes they are eligible for as outlined in the 2026 Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Dog Show Rules. The handler and dog must be able to perform the exercises required of the disciplines/levels/class(s) entered. Youth may not enter classes without both youth and dogs being prepared prior to the State Fair to perform the required exercises. A zero (0) will be given to any handler/dog team not attempting an exercise, except as provided otherwise specifically in the rules. A zero (0) on the exhibitor’s score sheet will result in an incomplete for that class, and therefore the exhibitor will not be eligible for an award, except as provided otherwise specifically in the rules.

Exhibitors may show one or more project dogs, provided the exhibitors and dogs meet the eligibility requirements of each respective class, as follows (refer to each respective show discipline rulebook for more detailed and complete information):


Agility
Youth may enter any number of project dogs in Agility and are permitted to enter more than one dog per Agility class. Youth showing in Agility may show the same or different project dog(s) in other disciplines/classes provided they meet those eligibility requirements.

Obedience Beginner Novice A
Beginner Novice A is for the first‐year member and first‐year dog with no prior show experience.

Beginner Novice A youth are not permitted to show the same or different dog in any other obedience class. This is like any other “A” class and can never be repeated by youth or dog. Youth may show one project dog in Beginner Novice A.

Beginner Novice B and Pre‐Novice
Youth may show two or more project dogs in Beginner Novice B and/or Pre‐Novice, provided the youth and dog meet eligibility requirements. A dog cannot be shown in both Beginner Novice B and Pre‐Novice in the same year. Youth may show the same dog in other non‐obedience classes and/or a different dog in other disciplines/classes provided they meet those eligibility requirements. Youth may NOT show the same dog in another obedience class the same year.

Preferred Novice
Youth may show two or more project dogs at the Preferred Novice Level, provided the youth and dog meet class eligibility requirements. Youth may show the same dog in other non‐obedience classes. Youth may NOT show the same dog in another obedience class the same year.

Novice
Youth may show one project dog at the Novice A level, provided the youth and dog meet class eligibility requirements. Youth may show two or more project dogs at the Novice B level, provided the youth and dog meet class eligibility requirements. Youth may show the same dog in other non‐ obedience classes and/or a different dog in other disciplines/classes provided they meet those eligibility requirements. Youth may NOT show the same dog in another obedience class the same year.

Advanced Obedience
Youth may show two project dogs in each of the following Obedience classes: Graduate Novice, Open, Graduate Open, and Utility provided youth and dogs meet eligibility requirements. Level "A" and "B" in Graduate Novice, Open, Graduate Open and Utility will be combined into single classes, without designation of experience. Classes provided at these levels will be listed as Graduate Novice, Open, Graduate Open and Utility. Youth may show the same dog or different dog in other non‐ obedience disciplines and/or a different dog in other obedience levels provided they meet those eligibility requirements. Youth may NOT show the same dog in another obedience class the same year.


SHOW DISCIPLINES
Agility
Youth may enter any number of project dogs in Agility and are permitted to enter more than one dog per Agility class. Youth showing in Agility may show the same or different project dog(s) in other disciplines/classes provided they meet those eligibility requirements.

Brace
Youth must show two project dogs that are capable of performing the Novice exercises. Youth may show the same dogs or different dog in other disciplines/classes provided they meet those eligibility requirements. Youth showing in Beginner Novice or Pre‐Novice classes cannot show in Brace.

Teams
Pre‐Novice Team: Youth may enter two or more project dogs in Beginner Novice B and/or Pre‐ Novice and may enter more than one dog in Pre‐Novice team provided the project dogs entered are for different teams. Dog must be entered in corresponding obedience class to be eligible for team.

Advanced Team: Youth may show a Preferred Novice level or above project dog in the Advanced Team class. Youth may participate in a second Advanced Team class provided they use a different project dog. Youth may show the same dog or different dog in other disciplines/classes provided they meet those eligibility requirements. Dog must be shown in the corresponding obedience class to be eligible for team.

Team alternates must enter online for their respective Team class to be eligible to replace another team member.

Rally
Youth may show a maximum of two project dogs per Rally level. A level is Rally Novice, Rally Intermediate, Rally Advanced, or Rally Excellent. Therefore, youth may show two dogs in Rally Novice B, two dogs in Rally Intermediate B, two dogs in Rally Advanced, and two dogs in Rally Excellent. Youth may show the same dog or different dog in other disciplines/classes provided they meet those eligibility requirements.

Showmanship
Showmanship classes are based on age of youth and show experience of the youth and dog. Therefore, an exhibitor and dog can show in ONE Showmanship class only. Youth may show the same dog or different dog in other disciplines/classes provided they meet those eligibility requirements.

You and Your Dog
You and Your Dog classes are based on the age of youth. Therefore, an exhibitor and dog can show in ONE You and Your Dog class only. Youth may show the same dog or different dog in other disciplines/classes provided they meet those eligibility requirements. Youth may share one project dog with a sibling for this show discipline only. Both siblings may enter a You and Your Dog class. Refer to You and Your Dog rules for completion requirements of the Dog Project and Record Book for judging.


SHOW DISCIPLINES
4‐H PetPALS
Youth MUST be enrolled in the 4‐H PetPALS Project No. 230 to be eligible to enter this class. Youth may show the same dog or different dog in other disciplines/classes provided they meet those eligibility requirements. (Note: Youth who have more than one 4‐H PetPALS species [i.e. a dog and a rabbit, or dog and cat, etc.] can enter the rabbit or cat, etc. in 4‐H PetPALS Day held (Date TBD) in the Youth Center.)

Assistance Dogs
Assistance Dogs must be 6 months of age by show date. Youth taking Assistance Dog projects may show their Assistance Dogs in You and Your Dog classes. Youth must show in the appropriate age You and Your Dog level.

Youth taking Assistance Dogs may show their Assistance Dogs in one Beginning Obedience level/class (Beginner Novice A, Beginner Novice B, or Pre‐Novice) that meets the exhibitor’s experience eligibility.

Youth showing Assistance Dogs may show a different project dog(s) in other disciplines/classes provided they meet those eligibility requirements.

Youth taking Assistance Dogs may enter the Canine Good Citizen class.

Youth taking Assistance Dogs may also participate in the Poster Contest and Skillathon.

Scent Work
Youth may show only one project dog in each of the offered Scent Work classes. Youth may show the same dog in another offered Scent Work class(es) and /or a different dog in other offered Scent Work class(es) provided they meet those eligibility requirements. Youth may show the same dog or a different dog in other disciplines/classes provided they meet those eligibility requirements.

Canine Freestyle
Youth may show one project dog in a maximum of two Canine Freestyle classes, with the following exception: Youth showing in the Sassy Seniors class may NOT show this senior dog in another Freestyle class.

To show in a Canine Freestyle class at the Ohio State Fair, youth and their dogs must have practiced a routine and be prepared to perform the routine to the best of their abilities, as a result of training and practice.

Youth may show the same dog or different dog in other disciplines/classes provided they meet those eligibility requirements.


SHOW DISCIPLINES
Drill Team
Drill Team entries must consist of no more than two Drill Team entries per county. The same youth may participate on more than one Drill Team in their county provided they use a different project dog. Refer to the Drill Team rules for cross‐county Drill Team eligibility. Refer to the Drill Team rules for the number/size of Drill Teams per county permitted to show. Youth may show the same dog or different dog in other disciplines/classes provided they meet those eligibility requirements.

Drill Team entries must be made online. Drill Team alternates must enter online for their respective Drill Team class to be eligible to replace another team member.

AKC Trick Dog
Youth may enter AKC Trick Dog classes with the same or different project dog(s) and are permitted to enter more than one dog per Trick Dog class. Youth showing in AKC Trick Dog may show the same or different project dog(s) in other disciplines/classes provided they meet those eligibility requirements.

AKC Trick Dog classes offered include Novice Trick Dog, Intermediate Trick Dog, and Advanced Trick Dog.

To show in an AKC Trick Dog class at the Ohio State Fair, youth and their dogs must have practiced the tricks performed and be prepared to perform to the best of their abilities, as a result of training and practice.


SHOW DISCIPLINES
ENTERING YOUR DOG AT THE OHIO STATE FAIR
OSF Dog Show – July 19-21 (Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center)

Any youth enrolled in a 4‐H or FFA dog project may enter the Ohio State Fair Dog Show, including Dog Poster Contest. The exhibitor’s 4‐H advisor/FFA instructor and Extension professional must approve all entries.

Dog Show Entries. Youth must enter their dogs online at http://ohiostatefair.com/livestock/. Entry fees are $8.00 per dog per class entered. All entry fees must be paid using credit card. Online entries will close at 1:00 p.m. June 21. Late entries will not be accepted.

Drill Team, Pre‐Novice Team and Advanced Team Entries are to be made by the advisor/coach of the team. They must enter and pay for the number of dogs plus alternates on that team. After entry is made send Barb Prince b.prince@expo.ohio.gov a complete list of team participants with dog names.

Brace. When entering Brace at the Ohio State Fair, each dog must have an entry, and youth must pay an entry fee PER DOG for this class.

ENTERING YOUR DOG AT THE OHIO STATE FAIR
OSF Dog Show – July 19-21 (Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center)

Any youth enrolled in a 4‐H or FFA dog project may enter the Ohio State Fair Dog Show, including Dog Poster Contest. The exhibitor’s 4‐H advisor/FFA instructor and Extension professional must approve all entries.

OSF Agility Trial – July 31 (Taft Coliseum)

Any youth enrolled in the Performance Dog, Project No. 201P may enter Agility with one or more dog projects. The exhibitor’s 4‐H advisor/FFA instructor and Extension professional must approve all entries.

Agility Trial Entries. Youth must enter their dogs by completing the online entry at:
https://go.osu.edu/osfagilityentries. Entry fees are $8.00 per dog per class entered. All entry fees must be paid using credit card. Online entries will close at 1:00 p.m. June 21. Late entries will not be accepted.

Poster Contest. Each youth must complete a 2026 Ohio State Fair Dog Show Poster Entry Form and send or bring the completed entry form along with poster to the OSF Dog Poster Contest, Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4‐H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210. In person deliveries must be taken to the 3 . Posters must be RECEIVED or delivered in person by, June 29. Posters received after the deadline may be displayed but will not be judged.

Skillathon. Any 4‐H or FFA member may participate in the Dog Skillathon. Youth do not need to be enrolled in a 4‐H dog project to participate. Registration is the day of the event. There is no registration fee. A responsible adult MUST be present at registration to verify exhibitor’s age by signing the score sheet.

Skillathon station categories will be posted at www.go.osu.edu/osfskillathons in June.

*Exhibitor letter and other pertinent information will be posted online at www.go.osu.edu/osfdogs.

Instructions for Completing Ohio State Fair Junior Dog Division 901 Online Entries

Deadline: 1:00pm – Sunday, June 21

GENERAL

1. Entries for the Junior Fair Dog Show, July 19-21, (excluding Agility), MUST be made online at https://ohiostatefair.com/livestock/livestock-competitions.

2. An online entry tutorial will be posted prior to May 1.

3. Entries must be made by 1:00 pm Sunday, June 21. DO NOT wait until the last minute! The system cuts entries off at 1:00 pm and slows down as more users are logged on. We strongly recommend you enter by June 16, 2026.

4. Late entries will NOT be accepted. There are NO refunds for classes dropped. Please make sure your entry is correct before submitting.

ENTERING DRILL TEAM/PRE-NOVICE TEAM/ADVANCE TEAM

1. The advisor/coach of the team is to complete the online entry form.

2. Enter the number of members and alternates of that team. (Drill Team is 4-9 members, Pre and Advance Team is 4 members)

3. Pay for entries. $8.00 per member including alternates. (Example Team of 6 = $48 entry fee. Team of 6 + 1 alternate = $56) If you are not a registered alternate you cannot participate.

4. Email Barb Prince b.prince@expo.ohio.gov with a complete list of team participants including names of dogs.

ENTRY FEES AND ADMISSION TICKETS

1. Entry fees are $8.00 per class per dog.

2. If you are unsure of the classes in which you plan to show, it is better to pay the $8.00 to enter a class you are unsure of so you will be eligible to show in that class. Day of show entries will not be accepted.

3. There will be no admission charge in 2026. Pre-Fair on grounds parking is $15. Parking in the North Lot is free.

LOGGING IN

1. We recommend you do not use your phone to make online entries as it is harder to complete the entry process correctly. Enter using a computer if possible.

2. Every year is called a new year, even if you are not a first-time exhibitor. You must begin the online entry system as a new exhibitor. You can enter online as early as May 1 as a new exhibitor and go in to make changes as a returning exhibitor up until the June 21 deadline.

3. New exhibitors must create a password.

4. Write down your password. If you forget your password you must contact Barb Prince, Entry Dept., at b.prince@expo.ohio.gov.

ENTERING EXHIBITOR INFORMATION

1. The following is the information asked when you set up your online account: First Name, Last Name, Address, City, State, Zip Code, County, Phone, Email, Jr. Exhibitor DOB, Age, Handler’s Name, 4-H Agent’s Name (this is your 4-H Educator’s name), FFA Teacher’s Name (if taking a dog project through FFA), 4-H/FFA County (your county of 4-H or FFA enrollment where you are taking your dog project).

2. For the 4-H Educator section, it is important the 4-H educator’s name is correct. DO NOT PUT THE NAME OF YOUR 4-H ADVISOR. To help you remember your county 4-H educator’s name: FILL IN THE BLANK: The name of my county 4-H educator is .

ENTERING DOG INFORMATION

1. If you are showing more than one dog, when you have completed the first dog’s information the system will ask if you want to enter another. You must make separate entries for each dog you are showing. (*Brace class: 39T, you must make a separate entry for each dog and pay $8.00/dog, $16.00/class)

2. Dog information requested includes: Class (the class number, see worksheet), Animal Name (please use dog’s call name, not registered name if applicable), Breed, Dog’s Age, Sex, and Jump Height.

3. Pay close attention to class numbers and days! There will be a class number (ranging from 01-52) and a class letter indicating which day a class is offered: S=Sunday, M= Monday, T= Tuesday. (i.e. 05S = Rally Novice A on Sunday)

CHECKING OUT

1. Double check all classes before checking out.

2. Review the classes you marked on the worksheet below to double check your entries.

3. Payment must be made using a credit card.

4. When checking out you will be asked to pay for all dogs entered and extra admission tickets ordered for use during the official fair dates (there is no admission charge for the dog show, parking during the dog show is only payable at the gate).

5. MAKE SURE YOU PRINT OFF YOUR RECEIPT! Or take a screen shot or picture with your phone.

6. The receipt will also show the list of classes you entered. Keep this for your records! If you do not have a receipt no adjustments will be made to your entry.

WORKSHEET

1. Refer to the worksheet below for classes (class numbers/days) offered. THE ONLINE ENTRY FORMAT WILL NOT LOOK LIKE THE WORKSHEET!

2. Fill out the classes by marking an “X” in front of the class(es) you plan to enter.

3. It is suggested you complete this during a 4-H club meeting with the help of your advisor. Make sure your advisor approves of the classes entered. You must be a member in good standing in your county to enter at the State Fair. You and your dog must also be prepared/eligible to perform the exercises in each class you enter. The State Fair Dog Show is where you showcase your skills, not practice them!

4. Use the classes you marked on this worksheet when entering online. Class numbers and descriptions will be the same as what is listed below.

Sunday, July 19

Classes 01S-12S
S=Sunday

You may enter Rally classes EACH day.

Monday, July 20

Classes 13M-27M
M=Monday

Tuesday, July 21

Class 28T-43T
T=Tuesday

Tuesday, July 21

Class 44W-53W
T=Tuesday