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2026 Heartland Hotdish
2026 Heartland Hotdish Information
2 Back-to-Back Standalone Crufts Style Specialty Shows!
Join us in beautiful Rochester, Minnesota - the world’s premier medical destination and now, dare we say, the premier Stafford destination as well?! Retreat with loads of great pet-friendly dining and lodging options close by.
Friday, May 22nd, 2026 7 PM
Meet and Greet/Crate Set Up
Cash Bar
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026: Specialty Show 1
Judge: Sian Hammond (UK, Hammystaff)
Sweepstakes: Bryce Erban
Juniors: Brenda Holmen
Sunday, May 24th, 2026: Specialty Show 2
Judge: Karen Johnson (UK, Tillcarr)
Sweepstakes and Juniors: Nancy Eilks
Location:
Empire Event Center
1517 16th St SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Host Hotel:
Best Western Rochester Hotel Mayo Clinic Area/St. Mary's, 1517 16th St SW, Rochester, MN 55902
$95/night with a $45 pet fee
Call the front desk to upgrade to a suite
(507)289-8866
May 22nd-25th, 2026
Sponsor a Trophy
$45/night on-site dry camping
Reservations email Brenda@heartlandsbtc.com
Also offered:
Juniors, 4-6m Puppy, Brood Bitch, Stud Dog, Brace, Veterans, etc.
Other Fun Stuff:
We will also hold all-breed AKC Temperament Testing and Canine Good Citizen throughout the day!
We are also offering a Stafford Parade and a Pageant.
Please stay tuned for more information as we’re able to make those details available!
Premium List
Show Sign Up
Closes May 6th, 2026
On Saturday at 5 PM, we invite everyone to our Stafford Parade. Open to all Staffords. Each participating dog will receive a commemorative rosette as a special keepsake of this meaningful event, with whatever you want written on it. During the Parade, each dog will take a celebratory lap around the ring while a brief resume highlighting their accomplishments and memorable moments is announced. It’s a wonderful opportunity to recognize the dedication, partnership, and achievements of our exhibitors and their dogs as we celebrate them together.
Join us after Sunday’s judging for our exciting Stafford Pageant, featuring Top Twenty–style judging and delicious hors d’oeuvres. The Stafford receiving the highest number of points from the judges’ ballots and the winner of the People’s Choice vote will each be awarded a special rosette.
Come relax, enjoy great company, and celebrate our wonderful breed together. This special event is open to all Staffords and their people, including our weekend judges, and will showcase beautiful dogs.