Poster for Show Dogs

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

5.9
200+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
8+

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

Will Arnett
Will Arnett
Ludacris
Ludacris
Natasha Lyonne
Natasha Lyonne
Jordin Sparks
Jordin Sparks
Gabriel Iglesias
Gabriel Iglesias
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Omar Chaparro
Omar Chaparro
Stanley Tucci
Stanley Tucci
Oliver Tompsett
Oliver Tompsett
Andy Beckwith
Andy Beckwith
RuPaul
RuPaul
Alan Cumming
Alan Cumming
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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

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence Strong 6/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Moderate 3/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in Show Dogs, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
  2. 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
  3. 0:20 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
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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.

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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?

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