HENRIETTA TWP. — Forget the stuffiness associated with that other dog show — you know, the one that garners all sorts of TV attention and brings its winner accolades.

Nope, that’s not how Sunday’s Lorain County Kennel Club’s 69th annual Dog Show and Obedience Trial at 4997 state Route 511 in Henrietta Township will be.

“Ours is one of the most laid-back shows and prettiest shows around,” said Joe Holava, show chairman and board member of the Lorain County Kennel Club. “It’s nice for the kids, and if you’re thinking about getting a dog, you can look and see what other breeds are available.”

The American Kennel Club-licensed event will feature more than 120 different breeds, and will begin with breed judging at 8:30 a.m. and culminate with the coveted Best in Show award at about 5 p.m. Each of the best of breed winners will

begin competing for best in group (sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-herding and herding) at about 2:30 p.m.,  and each of the seven group winners will then compete for Best in Show.

Besides the popular breed judging, the eight-ring outdoor show will offer obedience and rally obedience competitions, a freestyle Frisbee exhibition and a demonstration by the Cleveland Regional Police Department and its dog teams.

Holava said there’s no need to be intimidated if you’ve never been to a dog show. The licensed judge and Bearded Collie and Briard owner says this show is perfect for first-time attendees.

The show takes place on the Lorain County Kennel Club’s lush, 32-acre site, which used to be the old Oberlin Airport. The event goes on rain or shine unless there is threatening weather. There will be food vendors on site, and booths selling dog-related items. You can pick something up for Spot, but leave him at home, as only entered dogs are allowed on the grounds.

The club doesn’t make any money on the show, even though it spends it to make the show possible. The club recently laid down 400 tons of crushed asphalt to improve the grounds’ roads.

Holava says attendance varies each year, depending on the weather, and there’s really no one keeping track of it. The kennel club’s goal, like its show, is a little less lofty.

“Our mission is to get more Lorain County folks involved with dogs in different ways,” Holava said. “You don’t have to own a show dog to enjoy (the show).”

Contact Karen Uthe Semancik at 329-7155 or metro@chroniclet.com.

 

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