Show Dogs Congregate August 20-21 in Marlborough at AKC All-Breed Shows and Obedience Trials

One hundred different breeds of purebred AKC registered dogs will compete for the coveted Best in Show award at two all breed dog shows on Saturday and Sunday, August 20 and 21 at the Royal Plaza Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road West (Route 20), just west of I-495. These shows will be put on and managed by our local AKC member club, the Wachusett Kennel Club.

President John Seeley of Harvard, MA said, “Not only is this a fun activity for families but it is the perfect place to talk to breed experts about topics such as training, grooming and deciding on the right breed for your lifestyle. An AKC dog show is a great place to start your search for the right dog for your lifestyle and find a responsible breeder. It’s perfect for dog lovers or those who want to learn more about specific breeds they may be interested in sharing their home with in the future”.

The shows start at 8:30AM both days with individual breed judging, then the best of each breed competes in one of seven Groups starting between 2 and 3PM, culminating in the seven Group winners going for Best in Show late-afternoon each day. Specific breed judging times can be found by downloading the weekend judging program from the club’s website: www.wachusettkc.org. Judges will fly in from all over the country, including one from Prince Edwards Island Canada, to select the best quality specimens.

New this year on Saturday will be a “PeeWee” class for kids between the ages of 5 and 9 years old accompanied in the ring at all times by a responsible adult. This is not a competition, but rather a fun and learning experience. Other weekend events include obedience competitions both Saturday and Sunday, two Rally trials and a “Novice Night” Obedience trial on Friday starting at 3PM to about 8PM, and 4 to 6 month old Beginner Puppy events on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Vendors will also have booths selling unique, many of them homemade, dog supplies and gifts—many items you just can’t find in retail stores.

The Friday afternoon and evening event is free to the public. Admission for Saturday and Sunday is $5.00 for adults and $3 for children under 12 and seniors 60 and older. Plenty of free parking is available near the show site, and food and beverages will be available during show hours at the Trade Center snack bar. This event is only for pre-entered dogs—do not bring your unentered dogs as they will not be allowed in the building.