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Courtney Herzing: Our show is the Butler County Kennel Club Autumn Classic All-Breed Dog Show.
Courtney Herzing: The shows are held this year on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026 at the Big Butler Fairgrounds & Agricultural Association, 1127 New Castle Road, Prospect, Pennsylvania 16052.
Courtney Herzing: I have been Show Chair for three years.
Courtney Herzing: The Butler County Kennel Club has been a cornerstone of the purebred dog community in Western Pennsylvania since its founding in 1939. The club held its first all-breed dog show on August 12, 1939 at Alameda Park near Butler, drawing 356 entries from 43 breeds. Officially incorporated in 1946 and recognized as an AKC member club in 1949, the organization has spent decades promoting responsible dog ownership, ethical breeding practices, and participation in dog sports. Through the dedication of the members and leaders, the club expanded its events over the years, adding trials and health clinics in addition to the all-breed shows. In 2009, the Butler County Kennel Club launched its own Butler Autumn Classic, now a popular annual event. Today, the club continues its tradition of education, competition, and service to the dog community while preserving a rich history that spans more than eight decades.
Courtney Herzing: We strive to provide a comfortable and exhibitor-friendly experience for all participants. Ample parking is available at the showgrounds, including full-hookup RV camping sites with electric and water for exhibitors traveling with recreational vehicles. Designated grooming areas are provided under the grandstand to accommodate exhibitors and their dogs, and bathing tubs are ready for use on site. Hospitality services are offered throughout the event, including refreshments on Saturday during Groups for exhibitors, and a buffet-style lunch for the judges, personnel, and volunteers. A local food truck is set up all weekend for anyone looking to purchase chicken tenders, corn dogs, french fries, salads, fajitas and wraps, and much more. A variety of vendors are always present, offering dog-related products, supplies, and services. We are committed to public education by welcoming spectators, providing opportunities to learn about purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership, and promoting the sport of purebred dogs through interaction with exhibitors and providing educational materials.
Courtney Herzing: Yes, Butler County Kennel Club offers all of the following: AKC National Owner-Handled Series, Junior Showmanship, Four-to-Six Month Beginner Puppy Competition, Veteran Classes, Divided Bred-by Exhibitor Classes, AKC Miscellaneous & FSS Open Shows, Specialties, and Supported Entries.
Courtney Herzing: This year, we are proud to offer AKC Coursing Ability Trials (CABT) as part of our annual event lineup. The Greater Pittsburgh Dalmatian Club will be hosting two trials each day for a total of four trials over the weekend. The CABT is a pass/fail event designed to evaluate a dog’s natural instinct to chase a lure. Our venue is fully fenced in, so independent dogs can run safely and efficiently. The event is open to all eligible dogs 12 months of age or older. Entries are limited to 60 runs per event—sign up today! For more information, please visit: www.thegpdc.com.
Courtney Herzing: When hiring judges, my goal is to provide exhibitors with a knowledgeable, diverse, and respected panel of AKC-approved judges. Consideration is given to judges’ breed expertise, experience, availability, geographic diversity, exhibitor appeal, and overall balance of the panel. I ensure that approved judges strive to offer exhibitors a fair and positive judging experience. My judging selections are typically planned 2-3 years in advance in order to secure qualified individuals while maintaining the high standards expected at Conformation shows.
Courtney Herzing: We have a partnership with Patricia Flanagan and Sarah Stevenson of the Ohio Stewards Club. They utilize experienced, knowledgeable stewards to ensure efficient operations happen in each ring. They maintain a high standard of ring management, support judges and exhibitors, and provide a positive and well-organized show experience for all participants.
Courtney Herzing: We maintain an active and engaged membership that supports our mission through participation in club meetings, event planning at picnics, and hosting an annual Christmas dinner as a special thank you to members who give their time and hard work at the shows. We are always actively recruiting new club members through outreach at club-sponsored events, dog shows, educational programs, handling classes, and community activities.
Courtney Herzing: We promote our show through a variety of outreach efforts, including social media platforms, radio advertising, outdoor advertising, and a partnership with the Chamber of Commerce. We encourage word-of-mouth from our members, exhibitors, and supporters to share information and boost attendance. We always love seeing new faces.
Courtney Herzing: Some of my biggest personal challenges are coordinating the limited number of volunteers available during show weekends and ensuring that all aspects of the event are completed. I understand a lot of clubs are faced with this same issue; however, I am thankful for the group that I have. Preparing the grounds is especially important, as we hold our shows shortly after the fair has taken place. We work with the groundskeeper to make sure the show site is safe, including checking for and repairing any ruts or uneven areas that could cause injuries to dogs, exhibitors, judges, etc. Another challenge is the careful scheduling of judges to ensure the panel meets the needs of the show while also accommodating each judge’s provisions, requests, and requirements. Despite these challenges, we’ve dedicated a well-organized and enjoyable experience for everyone attending our shows.
One of my greatest successes has been relocating our shows from the Lawrence County Fairgrounds to the Big Butler Fair. After learning that we would not be welcomed back at our previous location, I had only six months to find a new site that would meet the needs of our exhibitors, dogs, and club. We previously held shows at the Big Butler Fair, but we left years ago due to concerns with the conditions at that time. I decided to revisit the location and was impressed with the improvements that had been made to the grounds. I reached out to the fair board and found them extremely welcoming and supportive of bringing our shows back. The transition has been a tremendous success. We have received many compliments from exhibitors who were excited to return to the site and experience the improvements. The move helped increase our visibility, with growth in both our social media following and interest from potential new exhibitors.
Outside of the show ring, I work in advertising sales for Seven Mountains Media. At home in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, my life revolves around my Siberian Huskies. My kennel, Shamokin Siberians, sits on five acres atop a countryside hill, where my dogs and I spend our time exploring off-grid trails, taking golf cart rides, dashing through the snow, and relaxing together after a long day. The bond I share with my dogs is the foundation of everything I do. They are my constant companions, my motivation, and my greatest joy. Simply put, my Siberians are my life, and I am theirs.
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