LAKEVILLE, Conn. — A beloved tradition for local dog lovers returns to Lime Rock Park this June as The Little Guild hosts its annual Great Country Mutt Show, a playful Westminster-style event where every pup has its day.

Now part of Lime Rock Park’s growing slate of community events, the 2025 show will be held Sunday, June 8 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Admission is free and the event is held rain or shine.

“The Great Country Mutt Show is an extraordinarily entertaining and fun family event, and every dog is welcomed and celebrated, mixed-breed dogs and purebreds,” said Jenny Langendoerfer, Executive Director of The Little Guild. “The show really puts on display the joy of the human-animal bond.”

Modeling itself after a traditional dog show, the event invites canine companions to compete in lighthearted categories such as Waggiest Tail, Best Ears, Best Trick, Best Lap Dog Over 40 lbs and Best Kisser. Kids 12 and under can enter their pets in the Junior Handler division. A Best in Show title will also be awarded.

A new category this year, Best Honors Annie, celebrates the dog that best captures the spirit of Sandy from the beloved musical Annie.

Renowned theatrical animal trainer Bill Berloni returns as celebrity judge. Berloni’s career began nearly 50 years ago when he trained a rescue dog to play Sandy in the original Broadway production of Annie. Since then, his work has spanned stage, film and television, including the upcoming drama The Friend starring Naomi Watts, Bill Murray and a Great Dane named Bing. This summer Berloni is providing a trained Sandy for the Sharon Playhouse production of Annie.

The show will be co-hosted by Scot Haney, meteorologist and co-host of “Great Day Connecticut” on WFSB Channel 3, and Richard Schlesinger, an Emmy Award-winning journalist best known for his work on 48 Hours and CBS News Sunday Morning. Both are long-time supporters of The Little Guild and avid animal lovers.

The Sharon Playhouse YouthStage will perform during intermission. Additional entertainment includes live music by the Joint Chiefs, a raffle, pet-themed vendors and food from Ben & Jerry’s, Barnstormer Burgers, Burn-n-Peel Pizza, Crepe Royale and Lime Rock Park Concessions.

Dog registration is available at www.littleguild.org. A $20 fee allows each dog to compete in up to two categories and supports the shelter’s mission.

The Little Guild is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the largest animal shelter in Northwest Connecticut. It boasts one of the highest save rates in the country for no-kill shelters and provides adoption services, veterinary care, education and support programs for pet owners in need.

For a full calendar of Community Events visit, https://limerock.com/community-events/