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Saturday, 20 October 2012 20:44 |
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Rapid City is going to the dogs this weekend. The Civic Center is hosting the 103rd installment of the American Kennel Club sanctioned Rapid City Kennel Club Show.
Big dogs, little dogs, fluffy dogs, wrinkly dogs. They've traveled long and far with their owners, and they're all hoping to represent the best of the best of what they're made of. Breeds from all corners of the globe are represented this weekend at the Rapid City Kennel Club Show. AKC judge Michael Woods says, "It's like a stock show. You're looking at this dog, and what you're saying is 'Would this be a good breeding dog? A good animal to breed?' And presumably a champion should be a good animal to breed." Every AKC breed has a set of standards, similar to a blueprint, which is considered the model of perfection for that particular breed. Show chairman Judi Bendt says, "They're just trying to keep the breeds pure. We want to keep a German Shepard a German Shepard, a Poodle a Poodle. And so a person when they buy one, they know what they're getting. I know if I buy a German Shepard it's going to be somewhat protective and it should be able to herd sheep. I wouldn't buy a Chihuahua for that same purpose." When considering breeds, a perspective dog owner doesn't want to be caught barking up the wrong tree. AKC judge Michael Woods says, "Every breed is not suitable for every person. Some breeds are dogs that need to work. A Border Collie needs to work. They're the smartest dogs in the world, but if you don't give them a job to do and they're sitting at home all day, they get bored, and when they get bored they get in trouble." Sunday's show will feature the Best in Show Class which of course comes with bragging rights and plenty of tail wagging. Cheryl Lee |
