The Prince George Kennel Club will host its 19th annual dog show from July 24 to 27.
The four-day event will take place at the Prince George Agriplex, next to the CN Centre.
The competition will showcase a wide variety of dog breeds and feature categories including conformation (July 24 to 27), rally and obedience trials (July 26 to 27), and junior handling (July 26 to 27).
Organizer and Prince George Kennel Club member Selene Maxwell spoke with The Citizen about what attendees can expect.
“We had full stands in 2023,” said Maxwell. “Last year, we didn’t have as many spectators, but they’re welcome to come. They’re welcome to cheer on their favourite breed, see their friends and family compete, walk around and see the dogs in their benching setup.
“But on Saturday and Sunday, we also have rally obedience and obedience. That will run in a separate ring in the AgriFlex building on the Saturday and it starts from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and then obedience is on Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.”
Maxwell also emphasized the time and effort trainers put into preparing their dogs for the show.
“There are hours and hours and hours of training,” she said. “People even show their puppies. You can show a baby puppy — like a six-month-old puppy. There are veteran classes for dogs over seven years old. There are also altered classes, so if your dog has been neutered, you can show them in an altered class.
“There’s even a brace class, where you have two matched dogs and you’re handling them at the same time. They have to be similar in size and comfortable with each other since they’re handled together on one leash.”
When asked what she hopes to bring to the Prince George community through the event, Maxwell said it’s all about showcasing the club’s passion for dogs.
“Our love of dogs of all sizes, all different temperaments,” she said. “They’re bred for all different purposes. Everybody who shows their dog loves their dog. They’re all members of the family. And it’s fun — it’s really fun. Kids love it.
“On Saturday and Sunday at lunchtime — usually from noon to 1 p.m. — we have junior handling. I have friends with, you know, 10-year-olds, and they’re going to go into a ring with a dog and compete against other kids in their age group.”
Parking and admission will be free for all attendees.
