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Dancing pooches lead national media to local show
Thursday, April 01, 1999 By Linda Wilson Fuoco, Post-Gazette Staff Writer
Dancing dogs have attracted the national media to the 60th annual Western Pennsylvania Kennel Association Inc. spring show.
A total of 1,403 dogs will compete tomorrow starting at 8 a.m. and 1,801 on Saturday. But a non-competitive demonstration of Musical Canine Freestyle is expected to be a big crowd-pleaser.
The event, which has only been around since 1996, is described as a blend of obedience and dance. The dogs perform without leashes, following verbal commands and hand signals from their owners. The people and their dogs dance - to music, of course.
Freestyle demonstrations will be held at noon tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown. Freestyle competition will be held Saturday at 7 p.m.
The Disney Channel, Animal Planet and one of the networks have all said they'll be coming to the show, according to Nance W. Shields, president of the local kennel association.
The Easter Sunday show is sponsored by the Laurel Highlands Kennel Association.
People who compete in dog shows on Easter weekend may have some explaining to do to friends and families. But the busy dog show circuit has shows every weekend except Christmas and New Year's. Various kennel clubs and associations hold their shows on the same weekend every year, and for these local clubs that's Easter weekend on some years.
Doors are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. all three days, but the judging of the Best in Show competition - a kind of canine grand finale - usually takes place at about 5 or 6 p.m.
Admission is $6 for adults and $2 for children. Proceeds will benefit animal charities and animal health research.
More than 130 breeds will be competing at the show. This is the chance to see unusual breeds that aren't found in the average neighborhood. Breeds like Chinese crested, Japanese Chin, French bulldogs and Ibizan hounds.
Vendor booths are a popular side-show at dog shows. Items sold include dog products and dog treats - as well as items for dog lovers, including custom-made clothing and jewelry featuring most of the dog breeds.
This is the first year for the convention center location. The ExpoMart in Monroeville had been the site for 10 years, but more space was needed to accommodate exhibitors and spectators, Shields said.
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