<P> The term was originally used in the United States in the late - 19th and early - 20th centuries to refer to small traveling circuses that toured through small towns and rural areas . The name derives from the common use of performing dogs and ponies as the main attractions of the events . Performances were generally held in open - air arenas , such as race tracks or public spaces in localities that were too small or remote to attract larger , more elaborate performers or performances . The most notorious was `` Prof. Gentry 's Famous Dog & Pony Show , '' started when teenager Henry Gentry and his brothers started touring in 1886 with their act , originally entitled `` Gentry 's Equine and Canine Paradox . '' It started small , but evolved into a full circus show . Other early dog and pony shows included Morris ' Equine and Canine Paradoxes ( 1883 ) and Hurlburt 's Dog and Pony Show ( late 1880s ) . </P>
where does the term dog and pony show come from
in the United States in the late - 19th and early - 20th centuries