Man’s best friend has chance to shine

SMITHFIELD -- Who doesn't love a dog? Their ability to follow commands and retrieve articles is certainly something worth beholding. For those who truly believe that dogs are "man's best friend," the Jefferson County Fairgrounds is exactly the place to be this weekend.

During the next four days, the Friendship Cluster Dog Shows will take place at Friendship Park, where thousands of dogs will strut their stuff alongside their owners or handlers.

Joining forces to bring the show ring before a panel of judges are officials from area kennel clubs. The St. Clairsville and Trumbull County kennel clubs, along with the Fort Steuben Kennel Association, has joined efforts to make this event memorable.

There are approximately 500 to 700 dogs representing 150 breeds, expected to compete each day. Shows are scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Monday.

According to Show Chairperson Jane Hendricks of the St. Clairsville Kennel Club, this is the only sport she knows of where amateurs can compete against champions and still defeat them in competition.

She conveyed that if owners have a good dog, do their research and have an idea of what the judges are looking for, their odds greatly increase and it is quite possible anyone can win.

Each day begins with individual breed judging and ends with the crowning of that day's best in show winner.

"This part of the show is called conformation, as the dogs are judged according to the breed's standard," Hendicks said.

This describes how each breed's "ideal dog" should be structured and what it should look like, as is written by their parent club.

There's competition when it comes to obedience and rallies. Each day, dogs and their owners will compete as a team and perform required exercises that will help the dog to become a good family member and neighbor within their communities. Titles can be won here, as well. Rally trials will challenge dogs to test their ability to follow commands, maneuver hurdles and retrieve articles.

And the competitions, continue.

Each day, dock diving competitions will take place, Hendricks noted. Canine athletes will make a splash as they show off their extreme water skills by jumping in pools.

Canine good citizen tests, along with trick dog certifications will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. These events have a required entry form and fee, officials said.

Joining Hendricks at the fairgrounds Aug. 23 was breeder and exhibitor Karacel Hayman of Dillonvale. She had brought along her two Australian cattle dogs that will be taking part in this week's events. While Hayman's 6-year-old dog, Lucille, will participate in the show's rallies, Lucille's son, Grim, is not eligible at 4 months old.

She explained dogs must be at least 6 months in age before they can compete for points toward the championship title. So in the meantime, Grim will take part in a special puppy competition. This special attraction affords puppies between the ages of 4 and 6 months, the opportunity to get in some practice and still vie for an Award of Distinction or a Puppy of Merit achievement.

Judging is done toward the breed's standard," Hendricks explained. "They are not competing against other dogs."

She stated there is an "ideal" look and personality with any breed and judging is based on how close that dog comes to meeting that ideal goal.

The seven groups looked at are sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting and herding, Hendricks said.

There are best of breed winners in each of these competitions, with four placements in each -- a first-, second-, third- and fourth-place title.

The first-place winner in each of the seven then advance to best in show and the winner will receive a rosette and blue, red and white ribbon, along with bragging rights.

She stated a dog show usually takes place every weekend within a 200-300 mile radius, with the minimum of a show lasting two days.

"We are actually really fortunate in this area because of the population to have so many shows," she stated, adding being a responsible owner is extremely important.

Hendricks explained the kennel clubs try to help those wanting a pet they will exhibit at shows, making sure the owners will be responsible and provide the type of care needed for that specific breed.

"People need to choose the right breed that will fit their lifestyle," she stated.

The dog show will offer local residents the opportunity to attend an on-site clinic for rabies and microchipping, along with vendors in attendance, drawings for prizes, food and the chance to learn more about things one can do with their own pet.

"This is the perfect opportunity to come and learn about your dog and its breed," Hendricks concluded.

"We do ask that you leave you pets at home as the show atmosphere could be overwhelming for them and be a distraction for the dogs competing."