The show will draw the top dogs from across North America 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. Lake Shore Drive, on Saturday and Sunday, February 22 & 23 from 8:00 am-4:00 pm. "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, along with the opportunity to get up close to the dogs, leaving something for everyone to enjoy!"
The International Cluster of Dog Shows attracts more than 10,000 purebred dogs from 160 breeds who 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 Spectacular featuring the finest puppies 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, for the first time at the show Barn Hunt will debut. Barn Hunt is a new sport based on the hunting and teamwork skills. Other demonstrations include Obedience, and the opportunity to "Meet the Breeds."
The International Cluster of Dog Shows also presents an array of dog-related retail and non-profit booths featuring pet rescue information 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 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 2014 International Cluster of Dog Shows:
The 2014 International Cluster of Dog Shows, presented by the International Kennel Club of Chicago, will be held on Saturday and Sunday February 22 & 23 from 8 am-4 pm Chicago's McCormick Place Lakeside Building, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive. Tickets are $20 for adults/$15 for Seniors; children 12 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Two day passes are now available for $25 for adults and $20 for seniors. 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 2014 International 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.
