Three days of dog competitions begin on Friday in West Springfield.
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Three days of dog competitions begin on Friday in West Springfield.
Ever hear of a Xoloitzcuintli or even see one? How about a Cane Corso, Leonberger or Dogue de Bordeaux?
They’re all relatively new breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, and they’ll be strutting their stuff this weekend with a motley crew of 3,000 dogs in Mallary Complex on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, where starting Friday the New England Spring Classic Dog Shows get underway. (ad mission is free).
While no dogs other than those competing are allowed on the premises during the show, Ed Lyons from the South Windsor Kennel Club, who is serving as coordinator of the three-day dog show cluster, said they welcome visitors to watch the competitions and to learn more about the many breeds while attending the show.
“While some people come to enjoy the competitions, I think most come to see if their dog is representative of the breed. If they have a lab, they want to see what a show lab looks like in comparison to theirs. But, many people who own dogs don’t do the maintenance and grooming required and their dogs don’t look like those in the ring because their handlers have spent hours and hours keeping them in perfect condition,” said Lyons.
The Springfield Kennel Club sets up shop on the fairgrounds Friday, while the Pioneer Valley Kennel Club brings on the dogs Saturday, followed on Sunday by the South Windsor Kennel Club. There will be all breed competitions all three days and obedience trials on Saturday and Sunday.
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.
Since Lyons is serving as show coordinator, he won’t be entering any of the competitions, but at age 78, he said those days are mostly over for him.<
“I was a professional handler, and I still have some Great Danes at home, but now I do more judging,” said Lyons, who is licensed by the American Kennel Club.
And, the show coordinator had one word of caution for those planning to attend the event as spectators.
“We do have signs posted that ask visitors not to approach or touch a dog without asking the owner first,” said Lyons.
He added that those who want to treat their pooches with a doggie present can purchase food and grooming supplies for their “best friends,” or even treat themselves to clothing, gold and silver jewelry, and other items all adorned with dog art.
