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Best in Show 2/28, PALACE GARDEN MALACHY from East Berlin, Pennsylvania
Photo: Booth Photography
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The
International Kennel Club’s Chicago Dog Show was the first dog show I’ve experienced. Not knowing what to expect, I walked through the doors of
Chicago’s
McCormick Place and into another world-this one with 110 professional handlers, 2000 owners and over 8000 dogs. That’s 8000 dogs, in one place. Somehow the scene seemed vaguely familiar and it occurred to me that it felt like an Irish Dance competition called “Feis”(pronounced “fesh” in Gaelic) in which I participated for several years with hundreds of buoyant young lasses. Here, instead of numbered stages filled with highly groomed girls with curly haired wigs to match their natural hair color, donning bright, flamboyant beaded dresses and accompanied by anxious parents, these ringed stages were filled with highly coiffed, talented and perfectly behaved dogs with their ambitious trainers and owners. It would remind one also of Olympic gymnastics or track and field competitions where many athletes compete at once on different venues in the same arena.
The
IKC event really was a feast for attendees, complete with obstacle courses, spectacular events such as canine Frisbee shows where one could see burst of speed, grand leaping and fine agility, obedience demonstrations and other competitive activities. In addition there were close to a hundred dog grooming tables outfitted with hairdryers, hairspray and mousse (much of it of the people variety, one wonders if the dogs are also brand conscious?)and vendors offering every possible product for for dogs and dog lovers alike, and you had quite an extravaganza. There were also a number of not-for- profit pet rescue organizations, happily. The
IKC did an amazing job of organizing these concurrent activities which must have been demanding requiring complex planning.
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A Finnish Lapphound shoots through a tunnel
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As someone without prior dog show competition experience, it seemed confusing initially, trying to grasp exactly what the object really was, what was being judged, how the judging worked within specific activities and how everything was factored together at the end in terms of conferring “best of show” status. As the day unfolded it became more clear. In a nutshellhere is how it works: dogs start out in a category, or class such as puppy, male, female, or championship (having worked their way up), and compete with other dogs in their category and breed. The winners of each class then move on to the next round, where all of the winners of a breed compete together. The winner of that is dubbed “Best in Breed”, and is then moved on to another level of competition where they compete against other breed winners in a specific category, such as herding dogs. The winner of all of the herding dogs (or other type of dog) moves on to an even bigger category. This process repeats until, eventually, there is a best in show.
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WINFALL BROOKWOOD STYLED DREAM from Aptos, California, Best in Show
on 2/27
Photo: Booth Photography
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In one competition, dogs walked around with their trainers, where they were closely inspected by the judges. I came to learn that each breed has certain and distinct standards. For example, the Bearded Collies need to have all of their teeth to be competitive, which I gleaned seeing so many judges looking inside their mouths, and later confirmed with show participants. Judges also seemed to be checking each dog’s bone structure and stance. While judges were looking away, many trainers even fidgeted with their dogs to make sure that they were striking the perfect pose!
For spectators, there was something for everyone. In addition to the 18 rings where breed competitions take place, dogs thrilled spectators on two large obstacle courses showing off their speed, agility (and navigation?) This was a particularly exciting aspect of the show for many attendees. Dogs of many different breeds ran and jumped with such speed and power over poles and other obstacles, it was amazing to witness. The dogs actually looked like they were having so much fun, as if they were doing the course for their own enjoyment, rather than for competition or even to please their trainers.
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A Border Terrier sails over a broad jump.
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There were also several obedience rings where the dogs did precisely what they were told (by voice and signal it seemed). It was impressive to see the extent of the self control that the dogs had. They were able to resist going after a toy that had been thrown and refrained from lunging at a treat dangling in front of them by their trainers.
It was clear that for participants this was a lifestyle. One young girl of about 14 shared that she had been showing her
Australian Sheppard since he was 6 months old. She groomed him twice a day while he was being shown, they competed in shows at least every other weekend during the school year and every weekend during the summer. I thought that Irish Dancers were zealots! But the focus and efforts clearly showed. These dogs and their trainers really had their acts together and as a neophyte to the scene everything was impressive and amusing, particularly the haircuts (fur cuts?), both? I was educated that yes, some have fur and others hair.
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Crystal and Grace share a grooming table
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The show had an obvious appeal to families with children judging from the profile of the attendees. The
IKC organizers were wise to allow children under 12 in for free, and perhaps develop them into long terms fans. Having just attended one show for a few hours, I really understand why this has such appeal.
Reflecting on the show, the most memorable aspect had to be the fancy and funky haircuts which frame up these amusing and wildly varied creatures all of whom seemed to revel in their own glory and with good reason.
You won't want to miss next year's show. Look for information next February.
For more information on
IKC go to:www.ikcdogshow.com
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