The small but mighty Cranbrook and District Kennel Club celebrates the 40th anniversary of its dog show with this year's show from August 23 to 25 at Moir Park, Cranbrook.
Hundreds of registered purebred dogs from all over Canada and the U.S. will be brought to Cranbrook for the show, made up of four confirmation shows, three obedience and three rally trials.
Many of Canada's best show dogs will be here for the all-breed championship. And it's free to watch the show.
While the show officially begins on Friday, August 23, there are two exciting events being held ahead of time on Thursday, August 22.
The first is a full-day workshop about handling a dog at a show, presented by professional handler Larry Clark. The workshop covers everything from set-up to grooming to ring procedure and presentation. It costs $40, register by emailing coastwynn@shaw.ca.
On Thursday evening, any dogs – including non-purebred, non-registered dogs – can take part in the Canine Good Neighbour Test.
"Canine Good Neighbour is a test that's available all through Canada and the U.S.," explained club treasurer Nancy Lopaschuk.
"The tests are not that difficult, but they need to have a little bit of training. They need to have basic manners and they need a little bit of training, but they don't have to have strict obedience training."
Canine Good Neighbour takes the dog through 12 tests, such as: accepting a friendly stranger without jumping or hiding; passing another dog with only mild interest; coming when called; sitting on command and staying in place; and walking through a crowd.
"It's really good to see people doing that with their dogs because it's good education," said Lopaschuk.
It is $25 to enter a dog if you pre-register; $30 on the day. Phone 250-489-1693 or email jcackerman@shaw.ca to enter.
The dog show really gets going on Friday, August 23. Judges are coming from Victoria, Chilliwack, Calgary, Edmonton and Cincinnati, Ohio to judge the show.
There are two confirmation shows on Friday, limited entry championships for baby puppy classes and veteran classes.
There is one confirmation show on Saturday and one on Sunday, and junior showmanship will be held on Saturday.
Obedience and rally trials will be held on Saturday and Sunday.
The categories cover sporting dogs, hounds, working dogs, terriers, toy breeds, non-sporting dogs and herding dogs.
Prizes are given out for best in show, best puppy in show, best baby puppy in show, best veteran in show, first in group, best puppy in group, best baby puppy in group, and best veteran in group. High In Trial prizes will be awarded for obedience and rally.
Entries for confirmation close today, Wednesday, August 7. Phone 250-489-0409 or email coastwynn@shaw.ca.
Entries for obedience and rally are open right to the day, but pre-registering by August 7 will secure a lower fee.
To celebrate the club's 40th anniversary, there will be a special dinner on Saturday, August 24 for exhibitors with a barbecue and raffle table.
Spectating the dog show is sure to be enjoyable for canine enthusiasts, even those who don't own a purebred or registered dog.
"There is no charge to watch the dog show and it's a good time for people to come and watch dogs and watch what they can do and talk to people about dogs, especially if you are interested in obedience," said Lopaschuk.
The Cranbrook and District Kennel Club formed in 1973. The club has a small nucleus, but it holds events such as seminars and classes in agility, obedience, field trials, tracking, handling, and health seminars.
For more information, visit www.cdkc.ca.