04/04/2026
Now accepting litter nominations and individual puppy nominations for the Futurity competition at the 2027 Nationals. Please come watch the Futurity Class at the 2026 Nationals - Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 9:00 am.
Litter nominations may only be submitted by MASCUSA members, but anyone can nominate a puppy, provided their litter was properly nominated (members get a discounted rate). So join MASCUSA if you are interested in participating!!
A Futurity is a competition where you forecast the likelihood of producing a high-quality puppy in your planned litter by risking your money. You hope your prediction is correct and that you recover your nominating and entry fees and possibly earn much more! Not to mention the prestige gained from having your breeding skills recognized by your peers.
You have a high-quality female who has passed all recommended health screenings. She is in excellent physical condition and has a stable temperament, making her a great mother to puppies that will spend most of their lives as beloved pets and companions. You’ve dedicated a lot of time studying pedigrees and evaluating prospective stud dogs and their offspring.
And now you’re going to have puppies. One item on your to-do list should be nominating your bitch for the Futurity. By nominating your bitch, you’re predicting that this litter will be something special. You expect that one or more of your puppies will be outstanding Miniature American Shepherds. You do this before the puppies are even born. That’s how much confidence you have in your decision-making so far.
Sometime before the litter reaches 4 months old, you select your standout puppies and nominate them individually. It might be just one or two, or the entire litter. Now, you’re predicting that your chosen nominees will meet their early potential.
Submitting your litter nomination also allows you, as the breeder, to nominate a Futurity judge for future competitions.
Nominating litters and individual puppies for the Futurity requires filling out the proper forms on MASCUSA’s website and paying the nomination fees for each stage.
Entering the Futurity competition at the National Specialty show works the same way as entering any other show. Your individually nominated puppy is registered through the official show superintendent. Puppies can be nominated and entered by either their breeder or owner.
Futurity competitions often showcase the best young dogs a breed has to offer. Winning the Futurity class at Nationals is sure to be something to brag about!!
