Palm Springs Kennel Club Kicks Off 2026 with New Year’s Classic Dog Show

The Palm Springs Kennel Club’s New Year’s Classic Dog Show gets underway at the Indio Polo Grounds. The annual event, the first dog show of 2026, is drawing thousands of dogs, owners, and spectators from across the country.

More than 6,500 dogs representing dozens of breeds are competing for top honors, filling the grounds with wagging tails, polished coats, and spirited competition. Judges from as far away as Canada and Finland are on hand to evaluate the dogs on appearance, movement, and training.

Handlers say months of preparation go into each performance, with daily practice to build muscle memory and confidence, especially for younger dogs. Many emphasize keeping the experience fun to help dogs shine in the ring.

The New Year’s Classic continues through the weekend, offering dog lovers plenty of chances to celebrate the start of 2026 with some of the best canines in the country.