From Paris Hilton purse-sized poodles to enormous Irish wolfhounds, purebred pooches of all shapes and sizes have been promenading around the Thorold Arena since Friday.
Fluffy chow chows, marble-coloured collies; low-lying dachshunds and polka-dot dalmations were spotted running with their owners around the three “rings” and up ramps for judging.
Mackenzie Drinkwater from Kitchener entered her Italian greyhound, Alydar, which won a third-place ribbon.
“We travel all over Ontario, out east, and the U.S.,” she told ThoroldNews. “It’s a very fun hobby and it’s a passion as well. You have to really love your dog, and be passionate about” continuing purebred strains, she added. “My husband Jason is Alydar’s number one cheerleader. Willa (the dog’s sister) is number two.”
After being groomed by their owners in the James Whyte Arena, the dogs are led to the Frank Doherty Arena, where they vie for points against others in the same breed. The best of each breed is then singled out and chosen to compete against other champions for the prestigious best of show title, which will take place around 5 p.m. this evening.
