Showdog.com Forum · General

It’s obvious we all love this game, right?

For those who may remember me, I’m Julie. I’ve been playing ShowDog on and off for almost 20 years. Like many of you, I’ve spent a lot of time here—and quite a bit of money—and I always felt it was worth it. It’s a really special game.

When I logged back in recently, I noticed the other games Jeff ran seem to be gone, and this site hasn’t had much upkeep for a while, and the ads. Oh the ads. I’ve tried reaching out to Jeff through email and a few other contacts but haven’t heard back.

In the years since I last played, I ended up going into web development and software engineering. That got me thinking about something I wanted to ask the community.

If a new dog show simulation game were built from scratch—with new code, new mechanics, and its own site—but capturing the spirit of what made ShowDog great… would people here be interested in playing something like that?

I would definitely be interested in a new and improved game like this one! But if there was a new game I would like to see where basic kennels actually have a more chances to do more stuff and have more chances of getting points besides just overtaken by premium kennels in breeds like dobermans or GSD for example. I think having more stuff for basic kennels may help the game be more active or make players not go inactive. I just became a premium user myself but man it was a bit hard when i wasn't. In my other breed kennel i'm a basic it's very tough. It would also be nice to see more breeds if a new game was created! And yeah there is totally a spamming issue in the forums.

Absolutely! I have been here since 2008 and it has helped me get over missing the RL dog show world.

As long as the real dog show vibe is kept and it is about the showing and doesn't turn into one of those "cutesy" games... They have their place but that's not what I want.

I am all in!

Yes yes yes

It would certainly be nice to have a steady hand at the wheel. I know Jeff has a life now but things have really changed in the 15 years I have been here.

My biggest complaint at the moment is the emergence of 'super kennels', where some people have what seems like 10-15 kennels with the same breed, or some kennels have what seems like 50 dogs, and totally flood the shows, driving up the point scales and taking all the handlers. There are rules against this but obviously they are not enforced. To be honest, it has caused me to stop showing many of my breed because, why bother?

If there were a game like this, with rules that mattered, I would absolutely love it!

Oh please, save us!

Wow — I honestly hoped there might be some interest, but I didn’t expect this many responses this quickly. It really says something about how much people still care about this game.

And honestly… that loyalty is what makes ShowDog special. A lot of us have been here for years — even decades.

When I first tried contacting Jeff, my goal wasn’t even to build something new. I actually offered to help as an admin just to get a few things cleaned up and running more smoothly. But I also understand that life happens. Since he started this game he’s built a whole life — family, home, responsibilities — and if something you built years ago was still generating passive income, it’s hard to blame someone for stepping away from the day-to-day.

That said, the responses you’re posting are exactly the kinds of things I’d want to hear if something new were ever built. Things like fairer opportunities for basic kennels, possibly strengthening or clarifying rules so “super kennels” don’t dominate everything (which may also improve naturally if more players are engaged), and keeping the real dog-show atmosphere instead of turning it into a cutesy pet game.

I think we can probably all agree that breeding and showing are the core of the game, and that would absolutely remain the focus. At the same time, it would make sense to bring things up to date with how the AKC operates today, since that’s what the game was originally modeled after.

If I were to pursue this seriously, my goal wouldn’t be to replace ShowDog — it would be to build something inspired by it, with the same spirit but with modern tools, active management, and input from the community.

One thing I’d likely do is invite early players here to be founding members, helping shape how things work from the beginning. Who better to evaluate something new than the people who already love the core of the game?

For now I’m mostly listening and gathering ideas. So if there’s something about this game you absolutely love — or something that has always frustrated you — I’d really like to hear it.

Why not create a Poll?

I’m for it.

Yes a poll is a great idea. And remember when Jeff used to have those chats so we could float ideas and talk about issues? Of course I don't blame him for going on with his life, especially once his family arrived. Who can blame him, after all? LOL. But I admit, Showdog is a big part of mine. Remember before there were even pix or colors? The introduction of colors was huge (not for Koms obviously), gave a whole new focus for breeding. Anyway, I think a poll would be great.

I've been playing since 2003 and love this game. I would definitely be interested in trying a new game based off this one!

Yep, Count me very, very interested

Ok, poll is up!
Let's start talking about what we like and what we don't use or don't need.

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posted by NovelWeims
Ok, poll is up!
Let's start talking about what we like and what we don't use or don't need.

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I think it would be cool idea if we had a OH thing but for like basic kennels i think it could definitely also help make it more fair for them!