Categories and Judging Guidelines
- What is Nuts for Mutts?
- How does the show work?
- Where did the idea come from?
- Is Nuts for Mutts a fundraiser?
- Can purebred dogs compete?
- How can we get tickets to the fair?
- Can I bring my dog even if he is not competing?
- What are the rules for competing?
- Why does my dog need to be fixed to be in the show?
- How are the dogs judged?
- Why do some people get a chance to talk about their dog and others don't?
- Do I have to pay for parking?
- Are there pet friendly hotels in the area?
What is Nuts for Mutts?
Nuts for Mutts is an annual dog show and pet fair celebrating the best of the mutt. It's just like the Westminster Dog show... okay, not really. In this show, mixed breed dogs compete in categories such as "Best Kisser," "Fastest Eater," "Most Vocal," "Mystery Mutt" and more. It's a day of fun and a way for people to show off their mutts, so nothing is taken too seriously (well, that may not always be true for all contestants).
How does the show work?
30 contestants compete in a Qualifying Round judged by one or more experts specific to the category. The top 10 contestants will be selected and advance to the Final Round. Qualifying ribbons and Participation ribbons will be awarded.
In the Final Round, the top 10 contestants strut their stuff in front of a panel of animal loving celebrities. Second and Third Place ribbons are awarded, and the 1st Place winner of each category moves on to the last category of the day, "Best in Show." The top three "Best in Show" winners receive great prizes and the 1st place winner is deemed the champion mutt of the show.
Where did the idea come from?
The idea originated from Bobby Dorafshar, founder of New Leash On Life Animal Rescue, a local non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates homeless pets. New Leash On Life felt it was time to bring well deserved attention to the mutts, to raise awareness about animal rescue, and direct people to go to the shelters to rescue dogs as opposed to buying from a breeder or pet store.
Is Nuts for Mutts a fundraiser?
Yes! Each year, this event raises much needed funds for New Leash On Life and allows them to come one step closer to their goal of making Los Angeles a no-kill city. All vendor fees, ticket sales, show registrations and additional proceeds directly benefit homeless animals.
Can purebred dogs compete?
This year, they can! We added four purebred categories. Here’s the catch! The winners of the purebred categories will NOT advance to the final round or compete in Best In Show. Sorry, everyone… but we just can’t have a purebred win “Nuts for Mutts.” It sort of defeats the purpose and original intent of the show. But we do want to honor those fabulous purebred rescues so we’ve decided to add these categories as their own contest. There will be winners for first, second and third place.
Please! No purebred dogs in the other categories. Some people try to sneak a purebred dog into the show every year, claiming the dog is a mixed breed. Judges are asked to score a zero for any purebred dog entered into one of the mixed breed categories.
How can we get tickets to the fair?
Tickets are available at the entrance for those of you wishing to watch the show, shop, eat and have fun! Adults are $10, Kids 12 - 3 are $5, Kids under 3 are free and Dogs are $5. You may purchase tickets online and have them waiting at the Will Call booth, click here.
Can I bring my dog even if he is not competing?
Yes, all dogs are welcome to come to the show as long as they are friendly with adults, kids and other dogs. Ticket prices for dogs are $5. You may purchase tickets online or at the show.
What are the rules for competing?
Your dog must be a mixed breed dog, be spayed or neutered, and non-aggressive. That's about it! It really is NOT like Westminster because dogs are not physically handled by the judges... scores are based upon whatever the judge feels is the best dog in that category.
Why does my dog need to be fixed to be in the show?
This is a fundraiser for a non-profit animal rescue organization. Our biggest goal is to end pet overpopulation. We don't condone owning a pet that is not spayed or neutered. Additionally, we don't want any behavioral issues to arise in the ring from a female dog that may be in heat or a male dog that is overly dominant. If you need facts about why you should spay or neuter, please visit New Leash on Life's Spaying/Neutering page.
How are the dogs judged?
In the Qualifying Round, dogs are judged by one or more experts, and the top 10 dogs advance to the Final Round. In the Final Round, dogs are paraded around the ring by their owners and lined up facing the celebrity judges. Each dog/owner is called forward. The judges use a touch pad system to enter a score on each dog. How the judge chooses to score is entirely up to that individual. Some categories are judged in a more specific manner, such as "Fastest Eater." Visit our Scoring system page for more information.
Why do some people get a chance to talk about their dog and others don't?
Some categories allow enough time for the MC to speak to the owner or ask the owner questions about their dog when they are presented to the judges. Due to time constraints, some owners do not always get the chance to speak. Whether you get a chance to speak or not should not affect your score.
Do I have to pay for parking?
There is both paid and free parking available. There is shuttle service from the general parking lot. Visit our Where and When page for a map of parking locations.
Are there pet friendly hotels in the area?
You can also visit www.pet-friendly-hotels.net for a list of pet friendly hotels.
