Dog show puts breeds in spotlight

The competition could be ruff this weekend.

With 828 athletes going for the gold, it will be competitive. But organizers are expecting nothing but big smiles and wagging tails at Charlottesville-Albemarle Kennel Club’s All-Breed and Obedience Dog Show at Foxfield Steeplechase Course.

“It is actually back-to-back shows,” said show chairman Sandy Lady. “We have one show Saturday, then we come back and do it again on Sunday.”

The shows are the 56th and 57th for CAKC, an organization which has been supporting sportsmanship and man’s four-legged friends since 1969.

“There are nearly 900 dogs and they are all happy,” said Lady, who has been president of the local club for the past six years. “These dogs enjoy doing what they are doing … and you never see any bad behavior.”

What you will see are some of the best of the breeds going head to head for the best-of-breed titles. Labs and golden retrievers are the most popular this season, but 110 breeds will be represented in the weekend shows.

“Some will be coming for compete both days,” Lady said of the obedience and rally dog shows.

“Some are new, like the Mexican dog that starts with an X. I’m not sure I can spell it or pronounce it,” she said with the laugh.

Xoloitzcuintli, Lady explained, is a medium-size hairless dog that will be competing in the non-sporting group.

“It is one of three or four new breeds that have been allowed in this year,” she said.

The 150-pound Leonbergers will be on competing as well.

“There are some very dedicated people who are raising them … and one lives in the area,” Lady said.

Gulliver, who is owned by Nancy and Harry Austin of Greene County, not only is a therapy dog at Kluge Children’s Rehabilitation Center, but he also won best in breed this year at Westminster, the granddaddy of all dog shows.

“Most big dogs tolerate kids much better than small dogs,” Lady said. “Big dogs make good therapy and service dogs.”

She should know. She has raised Great Danes for the past 50 years. However, there is new addition to her household.

“I have a Irish wolfhound, too,” she said. “They are big, gentle dogs, and she has been wonderful.”

Her Danes also were very popular with the local children.

“When my children were younger, we had eight Great Danes, and all their friends wanted to come over to spend the night at our house,” she said. “We had a dog for each child.”

For families looking to own their first dog, this weekend’s shows may be the perfect opportunity to come and see the different breeds in action.

There will be everything from pointers to pinschers, dachshunds to Dobermans.

“It is fun to watch,” Lady said. “And the breeders are willing to talk to you about their dogs. They will tell you if it is a breed that needs lots of exercise. A border collie has to be busy; he needs to work.

“They want their puppies to go to homes where they are compatible. That’s our goal — to see that each puppy goes to its perfect home and lives there to the end.”

While there won’t be any dogs for sale, you can see plenty of dogs in action.

“One of my favorite events is the junior sportsmanship,” Lady said. “We will have that both days, and it is for young people from 10 to 18, who are judged on how well they present their dogs. The sportsmanship is impeccable, and you can see how the sport is going to be going ahead with these youngsters. It is so much fun to watch.

“It is very popular for spectators and a joy to see.”

Lady also is looking forward to seeing another special event on Saturday. The Albemarle County Police Department will be on hand with a demonstration by one of its service dogs.

“They came and had a demonstration last year, and it was absolutely fabulous,” Lady said. “People were not leaving, they loved it. So we are going to do it again this year. These dogs can do amazing things.”

The club has donated fully trained police dogs in the past. Bink, a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois imported from Holland, was purchased with funds raised through the Charlottesville-Albemarle Kennel Club’s K-9 Challenge in 2009.

CAKC also has provided funds to purchase protective vests for police dogs. The organization also supports the SPCA, Noah’s Ark, Caring Companions and Hearing Dogs.

Saturday, it’s the dogs’ turn to shine.

Judging will begin around 9 a.m., with classes for each breed running in several rings at the same time. The seven groups include sporting, hounds, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting and herding.

The winner of each group then will compete for Best in Show.

“The higher levels of competition will be in the afternoon,” Lady said. “The Best in Breed will probably be around 4 or 4:30.”

But you don’t need a pedigree to have fun.

“We are going to have a Canine Good Citizen test,” she said. “The dogs will get a title.”

Vendors also will be on hand with food and beverages, but spectators are encouraged to bring chairs and come prepared for warm weather.