BUCYRUS — Canines from across the country will be competing for the “top dog” prize at the Crawford County Kennel Club’s annual dog show next weekend.
The 37th annual event, which is set for Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5 at the Crawford County Fairgrounds on Whetstone St., is sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC). It’s also a prelude to the coveted Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City.
Some like to call it “dog heaven.”
“This is a good opportunity to see nearly 500 dogs and some breeds you’ve never seen before,” said Connie Smith, the show’s secretary and publicity chairman, “and there are some beautiful dogs and some very unique dogs.”
The pooches and their professional handlers will be competing in six different rings. To earn Best in Show, each entrant must win its class, then its breed and eventually claim the group title, Smith said.
A “Meet the Breeds” event is scheduled May 5 at noon, with judges announcing the Best in Show award at 2 p.m. The always popular Saint Bernard Specialty Show will be Saturday.
The AKC, which was founded in 1884, now recognizes 193 breeds of dogs. It is the leading authority on all things dog, offering education for responsible ownership, an AKC registry, a canine health foundation and much more, Smith said.
The Crawford County Kennel Club, a non-profit organization, uses proceeds from the show to support the Humane Society as well as the Bucyrus Police Department’s K-9 Unit, which last year received a $1,000 donation from the club.
“A lot of people don’t realize that the K-9 Unit relies strictly on donations,” Smith said. “K-9 Harvey and Capt. Neil Assenheimer are very near and dear to our hearts. We thank them for the service they provide to the city of Bucyrus.”
Those attending, she said, will have the opportunity to talk to dog owners and learn more about the history and pros and cons of certain breeds as household pets. Information on spay and neutering programs will also be available.
“Not every dog can be a show dog, but they can still be placed in a good, loving home,” Smith said. “This is great family fun, plus it’s educational. Passion and love come in the form of fur, a wet nose and a loyal paw given in trust.”
There is no admission fee for the show, but parking at the fairgrounds is $5 per car. Hours are from 9 a.m. to around 2:30 p.m. each day. Food will be available from Katering Kountry Style in Bucyrus.
