Photo credits: West Texas Kennel Club

What to watch: Dog lovers, this one’s for you. Mark your calendars for the Black Gold Cluster’s West Texas Kennel Club Dog Show at the Midland County Horseshoe Pavilion Halls, Thursday, Feb. 12, through Sunday, Feb. 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Admission is free, and it’s a very easy, family-friendly way to spend a few hours out of the house.

The big picture: Expect hundreds of purebred dogs competing in all-breed conformation competitions, obedience trials, and breed judging. Judges evaluate dogs on breed standards, movement, and temperament, with top competitors advancing toward Best in Show.

Even if you don’t know anything about dog shows, it’s fun to watch ringside. You’ll see everything from high-energy sporting breeds to tiny toy breeds, plus junior handler classes featuring young competitors learning the sport. Events vary by day, with Thursday and Saturday offering the most variety and excitement.

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Go deeper: Past Black Gold Cluster events have brought more than 500 dogs to Midland. In 2025, a Lhasa Apso won Best in Show out of 562 entries. The show also typically includes vendor booths for pet supplies and meet-the-breeds opportunities where families can interact with different breeds and learn about care, personality, and training needs.