INGLESIDE, Ontario – For the 18th year in a row, the largest outdoor dog show across the country is taking place at Woodland Campsite from Aug. 24 to 26.
With approximately 4,200 entries, the weekend will showcase a large variety of dogs and their many talents. One side of the park will offer agility, rally and obedience competitions, and the other will include beauty contests, known as conformation competitions.
Jeff Dale, a member of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG) Dog Association said his club had the opportunity to take over as directors of the show about 16 or 17 years ago, but the show has existed for 25 years.
Dale’s favourite part of the event is getting to see exhibitors from all over the world who return annually.
“I enjoy seeing the same people year-over-year; exhibitors who come from overseas. It’s nice to see them,” said Dale.
According to Dale, the event is very similar to previous years.
“We usually have the same vendors year-over-year, the same chip wagon comes, the same trailor vendors. We try to get more and more people as possible,” said Dale.
Next year the association plans to expand to have dock diving and lure coursing.
Dale recommends that anyone considering entering their dog in a competition should drop by to experience a show.
“Come out to a show, speak to a breeder,” he said. “Contact your local kennel club…and we could always use volunteers, too.”
This year there are 22 specialties, including breeds or groups of breeds. Each day there will be a Best In Show competition, as well as sanctioned competitions, with a different judge to incorporate a variance of opinions. Some of the breeds may not be common in Canada, but are recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). Participants could win bags of dog food, embroidered blankets and cash prizes.
Tickets are $7.50 per adult to be admitted into the campsite, but there is no cost for the show. The campsite is located in the Long Sault Parkway.
