Wisconsin Dog Fair Draws 125 Breeds to Madison
The 30th annual event at the Alliant Energy Center paired purebred dogs with rescue groups seeking adopters.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Dogs
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The Wisconsin Dog Fair brought more than 125 dog breeds and about a dozen rescue groups to the Alliant Energy Center in Madison on Sunday, November 8. The Badger Kennel Club hosted the event for the 30th year.
Why it matters
The fair gives Madison-area residents a single venue to meet a wide range of breeds and to learn about local rescue organizations. It also offers exposure for uncommon breeds that are rarely seen outside breed-specific events.
The fair featured more than 125 breeds and about a dozen rescue groups, including the Labrador Education and Rescue Network. Attendance figures and adoption totals were not reported.
The players
Badger Kennel Club
A dog club that hosts conformation and breed events in south-central Wisconsin and organized the fair for its 30th year.
Labrador Education and Rescue Network
A Labrador-focused rescue organization that fosters and places dogs and was among the rescue groups at the fair.
Michelle Miyasaki
A longtime volunteer with the Labrador Education and Rescue Network who has fostered more than 40 dogs.
The details
Visitors met purebred dogs alongside rescue groups, including Michelle Miyasaki, who has fostered more than 40 dogs over 11 years with the Labrador Education and Rescue Network. Lis Johnston brought her black Russian terrier, Thanos, which she obtained through a breeder.
Timeline
Sunday, November 8, 2026: Wisconsin Dog Fair held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.
Season Trajectory
Regional all-breed shows like the Wisconsin Dog Fair follow the model of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which has long anchored American purebred exhibition. Holding this event for 30 years indicates sustained local demand for both breed exhibition and adoption outreach.
Madison-area dog owners and prospective adopters can meet breeders and rescue groups in one venue without traveling out of the region. The fair's mix of purebred and rescue exhibitors offers a practical way to compare breed traits before choosing a dog.
The takeaway
Attending events like the Wisconsin Dog Fair lets prospective owners see breed temperaments in person and speak with rescue volunteers before committing to a dog. Asking breeders and rescue groups about a breed's needs is a practical first step.
Further reading
For more stories on breeds and rescue work, browse our Dogs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Channel 3000.
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