Novelty show

A novelty show is a competition or display of exhibits or specimens, usually of pet animals, in which the competitions is unusual (often comedic) compared to typical animal shows.

For instance, a dog show might contain or consist entirely of categories (classes) which are humorous or are simply for non-purebred pets, as an alternative to conformation show classes, which are usually reserved for specific standardised breeds and treated with considerable seriousness. Pet photo competitions can also be considered novelty shows of a sort.

Some examples of novelty classes are "cat and owner look-alike", "dog with the most spots", "smallest/largest/fattest/thinnest" of a pet type, "dog in fancy dress", and the like. One of the most famous novelty shows is the World's Ugliest Dog Contest.

In the UK, a dog rescue group in Sussex named Allsorts Dog Rescue Society runs the Giant Golden Dog Show (formerly the Golden Dog Show), claimed to be the largest novelty dog show in the world. Held annually at the end of September at Albourne Equestrian Centre near Hassocks, England, it features numerous rings and classes for all kinds of dogs. In 2010, it featured 4 rings with 63 unique classes. In 2011, it grew to 6 rings, with 80 unique classes, and included dog long-jumping and dog racing, all held on one day in one location. The event awards a large number of awards compared to other dog shows: In 2010, 67 trophies were handed out along with 329 rosettes, and this rose to 87 trophies and 422 rosettes in 2011. The show is held annually to raise funds for the organisation's rescue efforts.