More than 690 dogs representing 124 breeds make it appear the AKC All-Breed Dog Show, which starts Thursday in the Tri-State Exhibition Center in McDonald, Tennessee, is off to a howling success.
The four-day dog show continues through Sunday afternoon, Sept. 16. The Exhibition Center is located at 200 Nature Trail, about one mile off exit 20 of I-75.
The event is co-hosted by the North Georgia Kennel Club and Chattanooga Kennel Club Inc.
All judging rounds will be held rain or shine, says chairwoman Carlene Gilstrap, because they will take place under the exhibition center pavilion. Judging begins in each of the seven rings at 8:30 a.m. daily.
Gilstrap says dogs will be judged each day, although the times for each breed may change each day. Times for judging are posted on the Chattanooga Kennel Club website: www.chattanoogakennelclub.net.
The largest breed of dogs attending is the Australian cattle dog with 47 registered - not to be confused with the 22 Australian shepherds also showing. Other large divisions include 33 Great Danes, 27 Labrador retrievers, 26 golden retrievers and 23 Pembroke Welsh corgis.
Best of Show judging will begin at 3:15 p.m. each afternoon with judging for winners in toy, nonsporting, sporting, hound, terrier, working and herding categories. Winners of those seven divisions will then go head-to-head for title of Best in Show.
There is no charge for spectators, who are also welcome to shop the 10 vendors bringing all types of dog food, toys, gear and more to the show.
For more information, email dcgilstrap@aol.com.