If you own a purebred dog or you plan to show one, you have probably heard the name InfoDog. This website is one of the most used tools in the American dog show world. It helps people find shows, enter their dogs, and check results. In this article, we will explain what InfoDog is, how it works, and why so many dog owners rely on it.
What Is InfoDog?
InfoDog (infodog.com) is a website built for the American Kennel Club (AKC) dog show community. It is owned and managed by MB-F, Inc., a company that has worked as an AKC-licensed superintendent for many years. A superintendent is a company that helps kennel clubs run their dog shows. They handle jobs like collecting entries, printing judging programs, and posting results.
MB-F, Inc. is based in North Carolina. The company has managed thousands of AKC-approved events, including conformation shows, obedience trials, agility trials, and rally trials. InfoDog is their main online tool for all of this work.
The name “InfoDog” was trademarked by MB-F back in 1995 for computer database services related to dog shows. Since then, the site has grown into a full online hub. It is trusted by breeders, handlers, judges, and everyday dog lovers who want to follow the sport.
What Can You Do on InfoDog?
InfoDog is not just one simple page. It offers several tools in one place. Here are the main things you can do on the site.
1. Find Upcoming Dog Shows
The InfoDog show calendar lists AKC-approved events across the United States. You can search by state, by date, or by the type of event you want. This includes:
- All-breed shows
- Group shows, like Terrier or Toy specialties
- Independent specialty shows for a single breed
- Obedience trials
- Rally trials
This search tool saves people a lot of time. Instead of checking many different websites, exhibitors can look in one place to plan their whole show season.
2. Download Entry Forms and Premium Lists
Each show listed on InfoDog usually links to a document called a “premium list.” This is an official paper from the host kennel club. It tells you which judges are working, which classes are offered for your breed, and what the entry deadline is. Most premium lists also include an entry form at the end.
Some dog show entries in the AKC world are handled by mail. But many superintendents, including MB-F, also allow entries to be submitted online. This makes the process faster for busy exhibitors who travel to many shows.
3. Check Show Results
After a show ends, InfoDog often posts the results. This includes information like which dogs won points, who took Best of Breed, and other placement details. Breeders and handlers use this data to track how their dogs are doing in the show ring over time. It also helps people research the history of a specific dog’s show record.
4. See Entry Statistics
Before a show even happens, InfoDog can show entry statistics once entries close. This tells you how many dogs are entered in each breed. Experienced exhibitors use this information to guess how many championship points might be available at that show. More dogs entered in a breed usually means more points up for grabs.
Why Do People Use InfoDog?
Dog showing is a hobby that needs a lot of planning. Shows can be weeks or months apart, and entries often close early. If you miss a deadline, you cannot compete, even if you already have your travel plans ready.
InfoDog solves a real problem. It brings together information from many kennel clubs and superintendents into one searchable site. Instead of checking dozens of separate club websites, users can search by state or date and quickly build a travel and show plan for the season.
This is helpful for different types of users:
- New owners who want to try their first dog show and are not sure where to start.
- Breeders who need to track their dogs’ show history and compare bloodlines.
- Professional handlers who show multiple dogs and need to plan a busy travel schedule.
- Spectators who simply enjoy watching dog shows and want to find one near them for a weekend outing.
Who Runs InfoDog?
As mentioned, InfoDog is a project of MB-F, Inc. This company is one of the largest and oldest AKC superintendents in the country. A superintendent’s job is different from a judge or a kennel club. The superintendent is more like the event manager. They process paperwork, keep records, print show catalogs, and make sure the event runs smoothly on the administrative side.
MB-F is one of several approved superintendents that work with the AKC. Other companies, like Onofrio Dog Shows and Roy Jones Dog Shows, do similar work. InfoDog often lists events from many of these superintendents too, not only MB-F’s own shows. This makes the calendar more complete and useful for exhibitors who compete across different regions.
A Short History of Dog Show Superintendents
To understand InfoDog better, it helps to know a little about how AKC shows work in general. When a local kennel club wants to hold a dog show, it usually does not handle the paperwork itself. Instead, it hires a superintendent company. The superintendent takes care of things like:
- Collecting and processing entries
- Printing the judging schedule
- Managing the show catalog
- Recording official results and sending them to the AKC
This system has existed for a long time in American dog sports. Before the internet, all of this was done by mail and phone. Exhibitors would receive premium lists in the mail and send back paper entry forms. InfoDog was one of the early tools that moved much of this process online, making it faster and easier to reach a wider group of dog owners across the country.
Tips for Using InfoDog
If you are new to the site, here are a few simple tips that can help.
Search early. Entry deadlines for AKC shows often close two to three weeks before the event. Search the calendar early so you do not miss your chance to enter.
Read the premium list carefully. Before you enter a show, always open the premium list. It tells you exactly what classes are offered, who is judging, and what the entry fees are.
Double check the superintendent. Not every show on InfoDog is run by MB-F. Some are managed by other superintendent companies. Always check who is handling entries for that specific show so you send your paperwork to the right place.
Keep your dog’s AKC registration ready. You will usually need your dog’s registration number and other basic details on hand when you fill out an entry form.
Plan your travel around entry statistics. If you are chasing championship points, checking entry numbers for your breed can help you decide which shows are worth attending.
Is InfoDog Free to Use?
Searching the show calendar and looking at results on InfoDog is generally free for visitors. The site is meant to be a public resource for the dog show community. Some services, like submitting entries, may involve entry fees that go to the hosting kennel club, not necessarily to InfoDog itself. These are normal costs of entering any AKC show and are listed in the premium list for each event.
Final Thoughts
InfoDog has become a key part of the American dog show world. It gives exhibitors, breeders, and fans a simple way to find shows, enter their dogs, and check results, all from one website. Whether you are trying to finish your dog’s championship or you are just curious about the sport, InfoDog is a useful starting point.
Dog showing can feel complicated at first, especially with deadlines, premium lists, and different superintendents to keep track of. But tools like InfoDog make the process much easier to manage. Once you learn how to search the calendar and read a premium list, you will be ready to plan your first show with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is InfoDog used for?
InfoDog is a website that helps people find AKC dog shows, download entry forms, and check official show results. It is mainly used by breeders, handlers, and dog owners who take part in AKC events across the United States.
Who owns and manages InfoDog?
InfoDog is owned and run by MB-F, Inc., a company that works as an AKC-licensed superintendent. MB-F has managed dog show logistics, such as entries and results, for many years.
Is InfoDog only for MB-F shows?
No. While InfoDog is managed by MB-F, the show calendar often includes events run by other AKC-approved superintendents as well. This makes it a more complete tool for anyone planning to attend or enter shows across different regions.
