About a week from now, this town’s going to the dogs.

The Kennel Club of Texarkana presents its annual American Kennel Club all-breed dog show. About 1,100 canines from across the nation will come to Texarkana for the show, which takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15.

Many of the very same dogs, judges and exhibitors seen on televised dog shows such as the Westminster competition will be here to see who’s truly top dog and not just a hot dog.

“We’re considered a fairly large show. Anything over 1,000 entries is considered a large show,” said Paula Cox, secretary for the Kennel Club of Texarkana.

The Best in Show prize winner will come from seven groups: working, herding, terrier, toy, hound, sporting and non-sporting. Three types of competition—conformation, obedience and rally—will put the competitor pooches through their paces.

For conformation showing, said Cox, the judge assesses how closely each dog measures up against the standards for the breed, even examining such things as skeletal structure. Those standards, of course, are different for each breed, and AKC-licensed judges will make the call.

The obedience levels are novice, open and utility, while rally levels are novice, advanced and excellent.

Cox said for seasoned show dogs, other dogs at the show don’t generally bother them. But for a dog new to competition, a show can be intimidating. And she said most dogs will show more effectively for a handler with whom they’ve bonded.

“There has to be an emotional attachment there,” she said.

Cox suggested that for dog lovers who want to learn about a particular breed, attending a dog show is a good way to meet breeders.

“Most breeders are happy to talk to would-be pet owners,” she said, noting, however, it’s a good idea to ask before petting the prized pooches at a dog





show.

Included in the dog show is a charity raffle to help the Texarkana Animal Shelter. All donated proceeds will go to help the organization.



(Admission prices: $5 for adults, $3 for children. More info: call 903-838-5316 after 5 p.m.)