The 2012 International Cluster of Dog Shows
McCormick Place Lakeside Building
2301 S. Lake Shore Drive
Fri. -Sunday
8am -4pm
773-237-5100
ikcdogshow.com
(PRESS RELEASE) FAMILY FRIENDLY DOG SHOW WAGS IT'S WAY INTO TOWN WITH OVER 150 BREEDS OF DOGS COMPETEING, PERFORMING, AND DANCING THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND OF -FEBRUARY 2426, 2012 Children 12 and Under Attend Free at The 2012 International Kennel Club Cluster of Dog Shows Sponsored by Purina
CHICAGO (January, 2012) -The International Kennel Club of Chicago (IKC) will host the 2012 International Cluster of Dog Shows. The show will draw the top dogs from across the United States and Canada to compete for prizes and the coveted title of "Best in Show." This family friendly event is the perfect answer to parents looking for indoor activities during the cold winter. Tickets are free for children under 12 with the purchase of an adult ticket.
One of the largest all-breed benched dog shows in the country, the shows will take place at Chicago's McCormick Place Lakeside Building, 2301 S
"We take pride at the International Kennel Club in offering a unique hands on experience that is more than just the sport of purebred dogs," said Louis Auslander, President of the International Kennel Club of Chicago. "The weekend is also geared towards entertaining families and pet lovers in the Chicagoland community with a variety of competitions, demonstrations, vendors, doggie dancing, along with the opportunity to get up close to the dogs, leaving something for everyone to enjoy!"
The International Cluster of Dog Showsannually attracts over 85,000 visitors to observe more than 10,000 purebred dogs from 170 breeds demonstrate their skills in a variety of competitions and demonstrations. Judged competitions include conformation, rally and obedience; the Best in Show Amateur-Owner-Handler Competition; Junior Dog Judging, offered exclusively this weekend for children ages 9- 19; and the Puppy Spectacularfeaturing the finest puppies aged 6 months to 12 months competing for "Best Puppy In Show." Using a unique "Chicago-style" format, guests are also encouraged to meet and greet with dogs and their handlers when they aren't competing.
Additionally, demonstrations at this year's show will highlight features unique to specific breeds including Earth Dog,displaying how small terriers and dachshunds were once bred as hunting dogs, and Freestyle Demonstrations featuring dogs using music and movements to "dance" with their handlers and showcase teamwork, artistry, athleticism and style. Other demonstrations include Search and Rescue, Obedience, and Agility, plus the opportunity to "Meet the Breeds" as the newest breeds are welcomed to the American Kennel Club such as the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, the Norwegian Lundehund and the Xoloitzcuintli --growing AKC's family to 170 breeds.
The International Cluster of Dog Showsalso presents an array of dog-related retail and non-profit booths featuring pet rescue information, performance events such as the Purina Pro Plan Canine Performance Team, along with items for purchase such as artwork, novelty dog wear, grooming products, exercise equipment, and much more.
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 Classcompetition, consisting of winners from theClass judging. Next is a Best of Breedcompetition 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 theInternational Cluster of Dog Shows.
About the 2012 International Cluster of Dog Shows:
The 2012 International Cluster of Dog Shows, presented by the International Kennel Club of Chicago, will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday February 24, 25 & 26 from 8 am-4 pm Chicago's McCormick Place Lakeside Building, 2301 S . Lake Shore Drive. Tickets are $18 for adults; children 12 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Tickets will be sold at the door - cash only, ATM available. For $2 off coupon, ticket pricing, schedules, and more information visit www.ikcdogshow.com or call 773-237-5100.
Purina is the proud sponsor of the 2012International Cluster of Dog Shows.
About the International Kennel Club of Chicago
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.
About Nestle Purina:
Nestle Purina PetCare Company promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products including Purina Pro Plan, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., the world's largest food company.
