How old must a dog be to compete in an AKC show?

In order to compete in an AKC (American Kennel Club) dog show, a dog must be at least six months old on the date of the show. This age requirement ensures that the dogs are mature enough to participate in the various classes and competitions, which can include handling and conformation evaluations. Additionally, being at least six months helps to standardize the competition, as dogs of very different ages may present advantages or disadvantages in terms of maturity and physical development. Thus, beginning competition at this six-month mark marks a suitable balance of age to allow for fair evaluation among peers.