Experience the premier canine competition at the official Wheaton Kennel Club Conformation and Specialty Show in Grayslake, Illinois! Held on June 12, 2026, this prestigious show brings together the region’s finest purebred Labrador Retrievers to compete for top honors under an esteemed panel of judges. Competitors and spectators can look forward to a showcase of breed standard excellence and wonderful camaraderie among breeders, handlers, and Labrador lovers.
🌟Key Competitor Information
• Location: Event No: 2026111603, Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E Peterson Rd, Grayslake, IL
• Event Dates: June 12, 2026
• Entry Closing Date: Wednesday – May 27, 2026
• Time Zone: PACIFIC
• Entry Pricing: $38.00
• Special Notice: AKC National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) is proudly offered!
• Eligibility: Open to all AKC registered purebred Labrador Retrievers.
📝Event Overview
• Preparation: Carefully review the official Premium List and breed schedules for ring times, assignments, and specific entry details.
• Venue Regulations: Dogs must be kept on short leashes (no retractable leads allowed) or crated at all times when not actively competing. Clean up after your dog immediately.
• Competitor Comfort: Please bring your own grooming tables, pop-up tents/shades, crates, folding lawn chairs, and fresh water for your dogs.
• Spectators Welcome: Spectators are highly encouraged to attend and witness magnificent canine athletes. Please follow ring etiquettes and ask handlers before approaching dogs.
🔗 Quick Competitor Resources
📋 Premium List: Download Official Premium List (Includes entry form, class schedules, and event details).
🏢Superintendent: Managed by BaRay Event Services, Inc., Superintendent (dogshows@barayevents.com | (360) 755-7086). Visit their portal for online entries.
🌐 AKC Event Details: View breed counts, schedule configurations, and coordinates on the official AKC Event Plan Page.
🏆n
🏆 Jason Hoke
📍 Madison, WI | AKC ID: 92952
Standard Rating (33)
🔥 Expert Panel (3)
🎯 Key Judging Style Tendencies:
🏃♂️ Movement Oriented (21.4%)
📐 Type & Silhouette (21.4%)
🌟 NOHS/Amateur Friendly (21.4%)
🔍 Fussy Dental Exam (7.1%)
📏 Strict Table Exam (7.1%)
💂♂️ Strict Ring Protocol (7.1%)
📊 Style Profile & Executive Analysis
Exhibitors consistently note this judge’s warm, exceptionally patient, and encouraging ringside manner. They take active steps to put sensitive dogs, young puppies, and newer amateur/owner-handlers at ease. The ring atmosphere is described as highly positive, supportive, and conducive to showing undercard exhibits. During evaluations, this judge places a heavy emphasis on overall structural balance and clean silhouette outlines, but requires correct, sound movement (gait) on the go to award top placements. A typey, beautiful outline must be backed up by excellent reach and drive, with cosmetic grooming details remaining secondary to physical coordination.
📌 Actionable Ring Preparation Checklist
- ✔️ 🦷 Clean & Scale Teeth: Highly meticulous dental and bite exams are standard. Ensure the dog’s teeth are fully cleaned and scaled prior to showing.
- ✔️ 📏 Practice Table Stack: Follows a specific, focused table setup and examination procedure. Practice stacking steadily to prevent backing up.
- ✔️ 🏃♂️ Pace the Trot: Showcases heavy movement focus. Keep the dog at a controlled, balanced pace on the move to show maximum reach and drive.
- ✔️ 📐 Highlight Silhouette: Emphasizes clean outline shape and carriage. stack neatly and highlight breed-specific proportions.
- ✔️ 💂♂️ Follow Ring Commands: Demands strict ringside protocol. Listen carefully to ring steward/judge commands and comply promptly.
- ✔️ 😊 Relax Sensitive Entries: Exceptionally patient and gentle. Keep sensitive dogs or young puppies relaxed to take advantage of this friendly ring environment.
- ✔️ 🌟 Showcase Owner-Handling: Noted for supporting Owner-Handlers. Perfect for presenting owner-handler or amateur entries.
📅 Official Premium List Pending
The official Premium List (including entry forms, rules, and schedules) for the Wheaton Kennel Club Dog Show has not yet been released by the superintendent.
It is typically published 4-6 weeks prior to the event date. Please check back soon!
