The Brigadoon Of Dog Shows: 5 Essential Facts About The Morris & Essex Dog Show 2025
The Morris & Essex Kennel Club Dog Show, often referred to as the "Brigadoon of Dog Shows" because of its once-every-five-year schedule, is officially set to return on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. This highly anticipated all-breed show is a modern revival of the legendary event created by the formidable dog fancier, Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge, and promises to be a spectacle of elegance, tradition, and world-class canine competition.
As of late December 2025, preparations are well underway for this historic event, which will once again take place at Colonial Park in Somerset, New Jersey. Exhibitors and spectators alike are already marking their calendars for a day that transports the dog world back to the glamour of the 1930s, complete with formal attire, box lunches, and an unparalleled level of competition for the coveted Best in Show title.
The 2025 Event Details: Date, Location, and the Historic Entry Cap
The Morris & Essex Dog Show 2025 is not just an ordinary dog show; it is a meticulously planned, historic revival that occurs only once every five years, making its return a landmark event for the entire canine community. The show is unique in its dedication to preserving the traditions set by its founder, Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge.
- Official Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
- Location: Colonial Park, 156 Elizabeth Ave., Somerset, NJ 08873. This spacious venue provides the perfect backdrop to accommodate the large entry numbers and the show's signature atmosphere.
- The Entry Cap: In a nod to its founder's legacy, the Morris & Essex Kennel Club has set a specific, historic limit for the 2025 show. The entry will be capped at 4,455 dogs. This number is significant because it is exactly one dog less than the record set by Mrs. Dodge at her largest show, ensuring the event remains an exclusive and manageable showcase of top-tier canines.
- Show Type: AKC All-Breed Dog Show.
The show's commitment to tradition is evident in every detail, from the classic blue and orange club colors to the presentation of the iconic silver and pewter trophies, which are a hallmark of the event's prestige.
Meet the Elite 2025 Judging Panel
One of the most crucial elements of any world-class dog show is the judging panel, and the Morris & Essex 2025 show has assembled an elite group of internationally respected experts. The selection of judges is always a major announcement, and the 2025 panel features some of the sport's most experienced figures.
The ultimate decision for the coveted Best in Show award will be in the hands of a highly regarded individual:
- Best in Show Judge: Terry Stacy.
The Group Judges, responsible for selecting the best dog from each of the seven groups to compete for Best in Show, are also confirmed:
- Sporting Group: Lorraine Bisso
- Hound Group: Kenneth Murray
- Working Group: Vicki Seiler-Cushman
- Terrier Group: Clay Coady
- Toy Group: (Judge to be confirmed in further announcements)
- Non-Sporting Group: (Judge to be confirmed in further announcements)
- Herding Group: (Judge to be confirmed in further announcements)
This panel ensures that the competition will be judged by individuals with a deep understanding of breed standards, making the 2025 show a true test of canine excellence.
The Glamour and Tradition: Why Morris & Essex is Unique
The Morris & Essex Kennel Club Dog Show holds a special place in history, a legacy built by its founder, Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge. Mrs. Dodge, a granddaughter of William Rockefeller, was an extraordinary woman, a philanthropist, and one of the most respected canine experts of her time. Her vision was to create the perfect dog show, one that prioritized the comfort of the exhibitors and the quality of the dogs.
Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge and Giralda Farms
The original show was held on her sprawling 550-acre estate, Giralda Farms, in Madison, New Jersey. The shows, which ran from 1927 until 1957, were known for their opulence. Mrs. Dodge housed up to 150 dogs across more than 80 different breeds at Giralda Farms, sparing no expense, even reportedly spending $55,000 a year on meat alone to feed them. The annual event was famous for providing complimentary, gourmet box lunches to all exhibitors and judges, a tradition that the modern revival continues.
The Iconic Dress Code and Vintage Fashion
Perhaps the most famous aspect of the modern Morris & Essex show is its unwritten but strongly encouraged dress code. The event inspires a level of sartorial splendor unmatched by almost any other dog show. Attendees, including exhibitors and spectators, often lean into vintage fashion from the 1930s and 40s, donning elegant hats, gloves, suits, and formal daywear. This commitment to period-specific style is a key part of the show's atmosphere, transforming Colonial Park into a living, breathing historical tableau. There is even a Hat Contest held each year, with awards given across different eras, encouraging everyone to participate in the glamour.
Specialties and Supported Entries for 2025
In addition to the main All-Breed competition, the Morris & Essex Dog Show is a destination for numerous national breed clubs to host their own specialty shows or supported entries. These events draw even larger numbers of specific breeds, making the competition in those rings particularly fierce. For the 2025 show, several clubs have already confirmed their participation, demonstrating the show's importance to breed enthusiasts:
- Puli Club of America (PCA): Confirmed a supported entry for the Puli breed.
- Basset Fauve de Bretagne Club of America (BFDBCA): Sponsoring a breed trophy and a supported entry.
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club (NSDTRC (USA)): Hosting a specialty event.
Exhibitors interested in participating should note that entries typically open in August of the show year. Given the strict entry cap of 4,455 dogs, competition for a spot will be extremely high, reinforcing the show's reputation as a must-attend event for the world's finest show dogs.
The Morris & Essex Dog Show 2025 is set to be a spectacular celebration of canine history, elegance, and competition. From the confirmed judging panel led by Terry Stacy to the unique entry cap and the mandatory vintage glamour, the event at Colonial Park on October 1, 2025, will be a memorable return for the "Brigadoon of Dog Shows."
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