The 3-day New England Spring Classic Dog Shows begin today
The three-day New England Spring Classic Dog Shows begins today in West Springfield.
Thousands of canines, representing the more than 170 American Kennel Club recognized breeds, will compete over three days at the Eastern States Exposition this weekend in all-breed and obedience competitions.
The New England Spring Classic Dog Shows begin today with the Springfield Kennel Club, continue on Saturday with the Pioneer Valley Kennel Club, and conclude on Sunday with the South Windsor Kennel Club. The hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and admission for spectators is free.
Guests will be able to see many breeds up-close and learn more about them by talking with breeders and show officials, most of whom welcome questions when they are not preparing their dog to enter the ring.
During the all-breed competitions, also known as confirmation, canines will be judged against various standards that have been set for their breed such as weight, bite, size, tail and coat, among other characteristics. In the obedience trials, dogs will be judged by how well they listen to commands to sit, heel, walk and jump, and also in scent discrimination.
Cluster coordinator Ed Lyons said spectators who turn out to watch the pooches in competition will want to catch the new puppy class established by the AKC.
“Who doesn’t love a puppy? They’re cut and cuddly and kids love them. And, you’ll see upwards to 60 puppies in the ring being judged.,” said Lyons.
“For many of these puppies, and their handlers, it will be their first time in the ring. When someone buys and registers their purebred, the AKC sends them information about shows near them where they can enter the puppy class. While in the ring, professionals will show them how to walk their dog, set their dog up, put a lead on them, for example, with the hope that they will continue to show their dogs in the future,” he added.
According to Lyons, showing dogs can be an expensive sport for some.“Some breed owners pay plenty of money to have their prize-winning dog’s photograph placed in some of the 20 dog magazines that come out each month, and it can cost up to $500 for just one photograph in one magazine,” said Lyons, of the South Windsor Kennel Club.
“And we also help the local economy by staying at area hotels during the show, as well as eating in the many restaurants around town,” he added.
The commerce continues at the show where vendors will be setting up shop and selling dog-themed items such as jewelry and clothing, as well as grooming supplies and other dog-related products.