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SMITHFIELD -- A dog show held by the St. Clairsville and Fort Steuben kennel clubs next weekend at Friendship Park is expected to draw hundreds of canines and their owners from throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Jane Hendricks, president of the St. Clairsville Kennel Club, said more than 900 dogs have been registered to participate in the Friendship Cluster American Kennel Club Dog Shows to be held Sept. 2-4 at the park.
There is no admission, only a $5 parking fee, allowing families and others to attend for little cost, she said.
Hendricks said it will be a great opportunity for dog lovers to see and learn about a variety of breeds and there will also be an opportunity for non-competitors to involve their canines in the fun.
She said there will be a separate show each day, with hundreds of dogs participating in conformation, obedience and rally competitions and vying for Best of Show for that given day.
Hendricks added each day there will be a dock diving event, in which dogs are judged for their ability to descend into a swimming pool from the greatest distance or height.
"It's really cool to watch, and the dogs just love it," she said.
Local dog owners are invited to bring their pets to try dock diving outside the competitions as time allows.
The cost is $10 for two tickets, which allows three minutes for the "Try-its" with an experienced trainer.
"The people running it are very knowledgeable in getting green dogs to try it," said Hendricks.
There also will be an opportunity to have dogs microchipped and vaccinated at a clinic to be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 4 at the grooming pavilion. Costs for the services will be posted at the event.
Hendricks said non-competitors are asked not to bring their dogs to other events so they won't disturb the competing canines.
Hendricks said organizers are expecting dogs of as many as 130 breeds -- including the Peruvian Inca Orchid and the Skye Terrier, a breed originating from Scotland.
She added it's often exciting to see dogs and their owners traverse the straight or zigzag courses of the rally competitions together.
To encourage the involvement of young canines and owners, on all three days there will be the Junior Showmanship Competition, which is open to youth ages 10 to 17, and competitions for pups 4 to 6 months old, which Hendricks said helps to introduce them to the world of dog shows in a low-key way.
Of the youth participating in the Junior Showmanship Competition, Hendricks said, "A lot of these kids are fantastic handlers. They're awesome."
Judging will occur from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, with the Fort Steuben Kennel Club hosting Trick Dog and Canine Good Citizen certifications from 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 3.
There also will be many vendors selling food and assorted dog supplies.
Hendricks said dog shows bring canines and their owners closer together and to each other.
She said training dogs "really builds a bond between you and your dog because you're doing things together and learning together."
Hendricks added many friendships have been formed among participants, who come from many places and various walks of life.
"It's just a family affair really. We all get to know each other and enjoy each other's company," she said.
Hendricks said the Friendship Cluster event is relatively new, being one of many held almost every weekend of the year. She said the groups have been happy to hold the event during the last several years at Friendship Park.
"People love the site. It is beautiful out there," she said.
Information about the event can be found at its Facebook page at Labor Day Weekend Friendship Cluster All Breed Dog Show.