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Story last updated at 12:02 PM EST on February 16, 2008 Detroit Kennel Club to host 100th, 101st shows
The Detroit Kennel Club will celebrate a milestone when its 100th and 101st shows open at Cobo Center on March 1-2. The annual Celebration of Dogs, presented by Purina, allows visitors up-close and personal time with breeders, owners, handlers and over 2,500 canines from the 169 breeds and varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The DKC shows are a "benched show," which offer visitors the opportunity to meet with owners and breeders and learn about breed characteristics, temperament, care, health, grooming, history and other issues for dog owners. When dogs are not in the judging rings, they are required by the rules of the show to be displayed on a bench according to breed, making it easy for a spectator to talk to several breeders of a specific dog in the same location. The DKC Dog Shows are one of only six benched American Kennel Club (AKC) shows left in the United States.
The benched format show is demanding on both exhibitors and their dogs, but worthwhile for all because of the public support and appreciation.
This year more than 2,500 dogs representing 169 different breeds and varieties are expected to compete for honors at each show. Four new breeds are eligible to compete at this year's shows: The Tibetan mastiff, the Beauceron, the Swedish valhund and the Plott hound. Each day, dogs of each breed will be judged in different classifications: Puppies, novice, American-bred, bred-by-exhibitor, open class, winners' class and best-of-breed competition. Dog breeds are divided into seven groups - sporting, hounds, working, terriers, toys, non-sporting, and herding. Competition begins at the breed level and moves through groups to Best In Show.
In addition to the 100th/101st DKC Dog Shows, there will be fun for the entire family. Special events running throughout the day offer an entertaining look at the rewarding relationship between dog and man.
Demonstrations and feature events include:
Ring A: American Kennel Club Agility Trials, a display of dog talent organized by the Sportsmen's Dog Training Club of Detroit, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. both days.
Ring B: The Children's Hospital of Michigan Pet Therapy Program, which brings comfort and warmth to hospitalized children, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. both days; and the Dog Scouts of America, a Michigan-based organization that has spurred a new trend in vacationing that allows dog and master quality time together earning badges as rewards for experiences and new skills, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. both days.
Ring C: Leader Dogs for the Blind, an organization that has been providing dogs to the blind and visually impaired to enhance their travel abilities, 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. both days.
Ring D: Terrier Racing, watch terrier pooches chase a lure down a 300 foot straightaway at amazing speeds when the Motor Cities Fox Terrier Club demonstrates what terriers love to do best, 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. both days.
Ring E: Animals & Arthritis, a 30-minute presentation by an expert in orthopedic surgery from Michigan Veterinary Specialists, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday only; First Aid and CPR, a 30-minute presentation by Michigan Veterinary Specialists, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. both days; and the Michigan Technical Rescue Operations Team, who will show how dogs use their tracking, trailing and air scenting capabilities to aid in search and rescue operations, 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., both days.
Ring F: Retriever and Field Training, 9:30 a.m.,10:45 a.m.,11:30 a.m.,12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., both days. n Ring G: The Border Collie Society of America will demonstrate herding using live ducks, 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m., both days.
Additional attractions include:
Obedience Competition, which test and score a dog on its ability to perform a prescribed set of exercises. Times: Ring 1, trials run both days.
Obedience Trials and American Kennel Club Rally Obedience. The dog and handler team move continuously through a rally course of 10-20 signs with the dog at the handler's left side. At each numbered sign the team performs the indicated exercise before moving on to the next sign. Times: Ring 1, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. both days.
Breed Seminars. Local breeders lead discussions at the Information Booth on the following breeds: Basset Hound, Portuguese Water Dog, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Pomeranian, Weimaraner, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Australian Terrier and Schipperke. Plus, "How to pick the right puppy" will be presented each day.
Lake Orion resident Kimberly Kelly Santini, the winning artist in the fifth annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship commemorative art poster competition, will personalize purchased copies of the poster in the American Kennel Club booth. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Take the Lead, a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to providing direct services, support and care for all qualified participants in the sport of dogs who suffer from life-threatening or terminal illnesses.
Times: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. both days.
Michigan Gazehound Association's Special Benching Section. The Michigan Gazehound Association is a lure coursing club that represents "Sighthounds" and their owners. Bred for hunting, their primary method of finding and tracking prey is by sight, relying on a combination of speed and stamina to capture its target. Nine of the 12 sighthounds will be presented in a Parade of Sighthounds in which a representative from each breed will introduce their dog and do a short narrative on its breed origin and utility. Times: 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. both days.
Booths and Vendors. The shows have an Information Center staffed with volunteers, qualified judges and breeders with years of personal and professional canine experience. Trained veterinarians from Michigan State University will be on hand to answer questions and canine friendly organizations such as REGAP (Retired Greyhounds as Pets), and a number of breed rescue groups continue to be active participants in the shows.
Vendors come from across the U.S. and Canada to exhibit their wares at over 100 retail booths offering pet supplies, unique gift items, canine art, and items of related interest.
FYI
The Detroit Kennel Club's 100th and 101st shows open at Cobo Center on March 1-2. Dogs will be on display to the public and demonstrations will run from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Best in Show will go into the ring approximately 6 p.m. each day. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children (under 12) and senior citizens (60 and over). Family packs (2 adults, 3 children) are also on sale for $35. Tickets will be sold separately for each show and are good only for that day's show. Group rates are available by calling (248) 540-5206. Tickets are available at the door.
For more information, visit www.detroitkennelclub.com.
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