Diane Hutson grooms her Yorkshire Terriers “Nova,” left, and “Chief” Sunday during the Hanover Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show at Legion Stadium in 2009. StarNews file photo.

No dogs are judged by committee in the Port City, but we do have an annual dog show.

The Hanover Kennel Club Inc. held its American Kennel Club-licensed, all-breed dog shows in Wilmington most recently Oct. 13-14 at Legion Stadium on Carolina Beach Road. A total of 475 dogs competed for the Best in Show prize, which was a donation to the local Humane Society in the name of the dog’s owner.

Show Chairman John Boozer said, “We do have multiple judges for our show, but only one judge is in the ring at a time. Dog Shows follow an elimination process where, at the end of the show, one dog is named Best in Show.”

“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 the right breed for your lifestyle,” said Boozer. “An AKC dog show is also a great place to start your search for a responsible breeder.”

Established in 1938, the Hanover Kennel Club is the only American Kennel Club-licensed dog club, east of I-95 in North Carolina. Its mission of promoting responsible dog ownership includes participation in and support of a number of dog-related activities, including public education on dog safety, support of the New Hanover County Animal Services’ inner city rabies clinics, and providing bullet-proof vests for local law enforcement canines and supplies for the military dogs at Camp Lejeune.

For more information on next year’s dog shows and/or information on joining the organization, go to www.hanoverkennelclub.net.

RELATED LINKS:

Are dogs required to wear their rabies tags when on public property?

Is there a local lake or beach that allows dogs to swim?

Date posted: November 9, 2012

User-contributed question by:
Shari Capps