
Show Dogs (2018) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Max, a macho, solitary Rottweiler police dog is ordered to go undercover as a primped show dog in a prestigious Dog Show, along with his human partner, to avert a disaster from happening.
Rated PG • 2018 • 1h 30m
Show Dogs is a family-minded PG comedy about Max, a Rottweiler K-9 who goes undercover at the Canini Invitational dog show to stop an animal-smuggling ring. The PG rating reflects mild sexualized/grooming humor (dogs being handled and jokes about private parts), some tense action including a sudden shootout and chases, light swearing, and references to drug/animal smuggling. Parents should note brief scenes of animals in peril (a baby… Sign up for the full guide
Cast












Is Show Dogs appropriate for kids?
Show Dogs is a family-minded PG comedy about Max, a Rottweiler K-9 who goes undercover at the Canini Invitational dog show to stop an animal-smuggling ring. The PG rating reflects mild sexualized/grooming humor (dogs being handled and jokes about private parts), some tense… Read more — free account
Content severity in Show Dogs
What happens in Show Dogs, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:20 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
Sex and nudity in Show Dogs
Brief and mild — mostly joke-based and related to dog grooming/handling. Several scenes (training and in the show ring) show handlers touching dogs' bellies and private areas to acclimate them to being examined; it's presented as awkward humor rather than sexual content. IMDb's Parents Guide flags this grooming/touching as the source of 'suggestive and rude humor.'
Violence and gore in Show Dogs
Moderate, non-graphic action and some tense moments. There are chase sequences, slapstick scuffles between dogs/people, and a sudden, loud shootout between police dogs and smugglers; no graphic injury is shown. IMDb notes an "intense and very sudden shootout" that could startle younger viewers.
Language in Show Dogs
Mild — a few softened expletives and rude phrases. You hear two uses of "d--n", an unfinished "sh-" outburst, mild swears like "dang/freakin'", and a canine-joke telling another dog to "grow some balls." Language is occasional and not pervasive.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Show Dogs
Mild presence. The plot involves an animal- and drug-smuggling ring (drugs are implied via the criminals' role) and there are brief background scenes of adults drinking in casino/show settings. IMDb's Parents Guide classifies alcohol/drugs as mild; there is no on-screen drug use or detailed depiction of substance abuse.
Mature themes in Show Dogs
Moderate themes around animal smuggling, rescue, trust and teamwork. The movie centers on rescuing a baby panda from illegal traders and characters confront betrayal and danger; emotional stakes are present but not graphic. Younger children may be upset by animals in peril or the idea of trafficking.
Scary moments in Show Dogs
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Show Dogs yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Show Dogs appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Show Dogs is best for ages 8+. It's rated PG. Show Dogs is a family-minded PG comedy about Max, a Rottweiler K-9 who goes undercover at the Canini Invitational dog show to stop an animal-smuggling ring. The PG rating reflects mild sexualized/grooming humor (dogs…
What age rating does Show Dogs have?
Show Dogs is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 8+.
What is Show Dogs about?
Show Dogs is a family-minded PG comedy about Max, a Rottweiler K-9 who goes undercover at the Canini Invitational dog show to stop an animal-smuggling ring. The PG rating reflects mild sexualized/grooming humor (dogs being handled and jokes about private parts), some tense action including a sudden shootout and…
Is there sex or nudity in Show Dogs?
Brief and mild — mostly joke-based and related to dog grooming/handling. Several scenes (training and in the show ring) show handlers touching dogs' bellies and private areas to acclimate them to being examined; it's presented as awkward humor rather than…
How violent is Show Dogs?
Moderate, non-graphic action and some tense moments. There are chase sequences, slapstick scuffles between dogs/people, and a sudden, loud shootout between police dogs and smugglers; no graphic injury is shown. IMDb notes an "intense and very sudden shootout"…
Is the language in Show Dogs appropriate for kids?
Mild — a few softened expletives and rude phrases. You hear two uses of "d--n", an unfinished "sh-" outburst, mild swears like "dang/freakin'", and a canine-joke telling another dog to "grow some balls." Language is occasional and not pervasive.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Show Dogs?
Mild presence. The plot involves an animal- and drug-smuggling ring (drugs are implied via the criminals' role) and there are brief background scenes of adults drinking in casino/show settings. IMDb's Parents Guide classifies alcohol/drugs as mild; there is…
What mature themes appear in Show Dogs?
Moderate themes around animal smuggling, rescue, trust and teamwork. The movie centers on rescuing a baby panda from illegal traders and characters confront betrayal and danger; emotional stakes are present but not graphic. Younger children may be upset by…
How long is Show Dogs?
Show Dogs runs 90 minutes, directed by Raja Gosnell, released in 2018.
Where can I read the full Show Dogs parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
Parents also checked these movies for 8-year-olds
Sign up to filter
























Movies like Show Dogs with similar intensity
Sign up to filter














Less intense movies for families
Sign up to filter



















More adventure movies with parent guides
- Interstellar parent guide
- Inception parent guide
- The Avengers parent guide
- The Dark Knight parent guide
- Avatar parent guide
- Deadpool parent guide
- Avengers: Infinity War parent guide
- The Shawshank Redemption parent guide
- Pulp Fiction parent guide
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone parent guide
- Guardians of the Galaxy parent guide
- Iron Man parent guide
More movies with Bontent parent guides
- Sullivan's Travels parent guide
- Sibyl parent guide
- Science Fiction Volume One: The Osiris Child parent guide
- The Layover parent guide
- Grand Piano parent guide
- Planet Hulk parent guide
- Ruby Red parent guide
- Barbie Presents: Thumbelina parent guide
- Mr. Church parent guide
- Barbie: The Princess & the Popstar parent guide
- Them parent guide
- Don't Worry, I'm Fine parent guide
- Lifted parent guide
- Those Happy Days parent guide
- The Night Before the Exams parent guide
- The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines parent guide