What the 4-H Dog Show Is
The Indiana State Fair 4-H Dog Show is the state-level showcase for Indiana 4-H dog project members. Over the last weekend of the fair, August 22 and 23, 2026, 4-Hers and their dogs compete in obedience, service dog classes, agility, drill team, showmanship and the Top Dog Test in the West Pavilion. Every entrant is scored on how well handler and dog work together, and the day ends with an awards presentation.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- Exhibitors must have enrolled by May 15 in a county 4-H dog obedience project and completed it.
- The dog must belong to the exhibitor or to a member of the immediate family or household. From May 15 through the show, only the 4-H member, a sibling or a parent may show it.
- A 4-H member may show one obedience-trained dog and/or one dog trained through the 4-H service dog program. Each dog is shown by only one child.
- A dog must be shown at the same obedience or agility level, or higher, as in the county program. You cannot move back to a lower class with the same dog.
- Dogs in obedience must be at least six months old on show day.
- Showmanship, agility and drill team dogs must be the dog shown in a State Fair obedience class. A dog disqualified in obedience is not eligible for showmanship, agility or drill team.
- Each dog needs the original 2026 4-H 671 Certificate of Completion, signed by a licensed veterinarian, showing vaccinations for rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis and kennel cough. No vaccines are given at the show, and incomplete forms are sent home.
- Collars must be slip, buckle, quick-release or martingale with no tags, with a six-foot fabric or leather leash. Head halters, pinch collars and flea and tick collars are not allowed in the show building.
Classes
Obedience runs from Class 1A for beginners with an untrained dog through 6B, plus a Veterans class for dogs at least seven years old or physically challenged. Winners in the lower classes earn plaques and rosettes; the upper classes award one plaque and two to three rosettes. All exhibitors get a participation ribbon. A club may enter up to two drill teams, which perform in a 40-by-80 foot area using regulation obedience or showmanship equipment only (no props). Score sheets and comments are mailed to your county Extension office after the show.
How It Works: The Timeline
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Sat., Aug. 22, 7:00 a.m. | West Pavilion opens for equipment move-in |
| Sat., Aug. 22, 8:00-11:00 a.m. | Vet check; exhibitors receive armbands and packets |
| Sat., Aug. 22, 9:00 a.m. | Obedience and Service Dog classes begin; agility starts (Beginning A, Advanced A and B, Excellent) |
| Sat., Aug. 22, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. | 4-H Interactive Demonstration and Top Dog Test |
| Sat., Aug. 22, about 2:30 p.m. | Drill Team begins; awards about 5:00 p.m. |
| Sun., Aug. 23, 7:00 a.m. | Doors open; present stamped vet paper and armband |
| Sun., Aug. 23, 9:00 a.m. | Showmanship and remaining agility (Intermediate A and B, Beginning B) |
| Sun., Aug. 23, about 4:00 p.m. | Awards after showmanship and agility clean-up |
Show times are emailed one week before the show. Judges will not wait; if your armband number is called and you are missing, you go to the bottom of the list.
Fees, Awards and What You Get
Entry is $40 per head from May 18 to July 1 and $115 from July 2 to July 31. Entries after July 31 are for exhibition only. The Best of Show Dog is recognized in the Indiana State Fair Celebration of Champions.
Where
West Pavilion, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205.
Questions
Can I train my dog in the building?
No. Outside the ring, dogs stay on a leash or in a crate. Handlers may only warm up with on-leash heeling, sits and downs.
Who do I call?
The Entry Department at 317-927-7515, or the fair at 317-927-7500.
Official Links
- Purdue Extension: 4-H at the Indiana State Fair
- 2026 4-H Dog Show Entry Book (PDF)
- Livestock show schedule
Indiana County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Indiana's 92 counties each host a fair, and most run in July, per the Farm Bureau's 2026 county fair guide. Allen County ran June 23-28 and Adams County July 19-23.
State fair
The 2026 Indiana State Fair ran August 7 to 23 in Indianapolis, with 4-H beef, swine and sheep shows starting August 7, per the livestock show schedule.
IDs and health
Animal ID goes into Indiana 4-H Online by May 15, per the 2026 ID chart. Indiana animals need no BOAH health certificate unless the show asks, per the state requirements.
Who can show
Indiana 4-H runs from third grade through grade 12, up to ten years, per the eligibility policy. Members enroll each year in 4-H Online.
Show week
Harrison County opened livestock check-in June 19 and held its auction June 25, per its 2026 handbook.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension office for your fair book and ID day dates.
Rules and entry limits differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Indiana County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Marion County Fair
Mark June 26 to July 5, 2026 for the Marion County Fair in Indianapolis (10 days, Friday start). Held each year; the most recent dates were June 26 to July 5, 2026.
Indianapolis, IN Official event details - Indiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Judging Contest
Open to 4-H and FFA members, this state contest at the Indiana State Fair teaches youth to evaluate horses, and no Area Contest qualifier is required. Held each year; the most recent date was August 6, 2026.
- Indiana State Fair
The Indiana State Fair fills the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis with livestock shows, 4-H exhibits and farm displays, closed Mondays. Held each year; the most recent dates were August 7 to 23, 2026.
- Indiana State Fair 4-H Beef Showmanship
Young Indiana 4-H exhibitors lead their beef animals before the judge in showmanship classes at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Held each year; the most recent date was August 7, 2026.
- Indiana State Fair Open Cattle Show
Breeders from around Indiana bring beef cattle to the Open Cattle Show at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis, which shares its day with 4-H beef showmanship. Held each year; the most recent date was August 7, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.