One of the largest all-breed benched dog shows in the country, the International Cluster of Dog Shows attracts over 60,000 visitors to observe more than 10,000 purebred dogs from 161 breeds demonstrate their skills in a variety of competitions. Judged competitions include conformation, agility and obedience; the Best in Show Amateur-Owner-Handler Competition; Junior Dog Judging, offered exclusively at International Cluster of Dog Shows for children ages 9 – 19; and the Puppy Spectacular, which features the finest puppies aged 6 months to 12 months competing for "Best Puppy In Show." Again this year, a "Chicago-style" no-benches format is to be used allowing guests to meet and greet with dogs and their handlers.
New demonstrations at this year's show include Earth Dog, which dramatically displays how small terriers and dachshunds were once bred as hunting dogs to track game above and below ground, as well as Dancing With Your Dog where dogs dance with their handlers using music and movements to showcase teamwork, artistry, costuming, athleticism and style in interpreting the theme of the music. Additionally this year patrons are encouraged to "Meet the Breeds" as in the AKC's (American Kennel Club) "new kids on the block." These include up and coming breeds such as the Boykin Spaniel, Bluetick Coonhound, Redbone Coonhound, and the Pyrenean Shepherd .
"The Kennel Club shows are a great family activity. Not only are you able to watch the competitions, but it's a great opportunity to learn about various purebred dogs, meet excellent breeders, and possibly find a great breed for your own family," said Louis Auslander, President of the International Kennel Club of Chicago, Inc. "This year we're especially excited to offer free admission to children under 12, hopefully allowing even more families to experience all that we have to show."
The International Cluster of Dog Shows also presents an array of dog-related retail and non-profit booths featuring artwork, novelty dog wear, organic pet food, and everything in between; educational seminars on topics ranging from pet care to breed selection; performance events including Frisbee and agility tests; dog-themed entertainment; representatives from non-profit rescue organizations; and the opportunity to get an expert-led tour of the dog show, offering a primer on everything that goes on both behind-the-scenes and as part of the judging program. Tours depart from the Purina Pro Plan booth.
About the Competition:
At the International Cluster of Dog Shows dogs are judged in a tiered format – first by Class (with six categories per breed), followed by a Winners Class competition, consisting of winners from the Class judging. Next is a Best of Breed competition with the two remaining dogs from the Winners competition (one male and one female dog). The dogs chosen from this competition (one dog per breed) are then called to compete in one of seven groups (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding) and the seven group winners then meet in the final competition where one is ultimately chosen "Best in Show." Judges review physical structure, condition, coat, gait, and temperament when reviewing a dog and aim to find the perfect dog of a particular breed. There will be approximately 65 judges from across the country, Europe & Canada at the International Cluster of Dog Shows.
About the 2010 International Cluster of Dog Shows:
The 2010 International Cluster of Dog Shows, presented by the International Kennel Club of Chicago, will be held on Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28, 2010 from 8:00am – 5:00pm at McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Tickets are $17 for adults; children 12 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Tickets will be sold at the door only on Saturday and Sunday. For $2 off coupon, ticket pricing, schedules, and more information visit www.ikcdogshow.com or call 773-237-5100.
Nestlé Purina is the proud sponsor for the 2010 International Cluster of Dog Shows.
Established in 1900, the International Kennel Club of Chicago hosts two benched AKC Dog Shows per year, supports the work being done by the AKC Canine Health Foundation and offers AKC Canine Good Citizen tests.
2010 International Cluster of Dog Shows
McCormick Place Lakeside Center
2301 S. Lake Shore Drive
Sat. & Sun.
773-237-5100
www.ikcdogshow.com
