Bolado Park is going to the dogs
– 745 canines are expected descend on the San Benito County park
for the Gavilan Kennel Club Dog Show today through Sunday
Bolado Park is going to the dogs – 745 canines are expected descend on the San Benito County park for the Gavilan Kennel Club Dog Show today through Sunday.
The event promises to draw a crowd according to dog handler, dog lover and AKC judge Donelle Richards of Aromas. The opportunity for dog lovers to not only show off their pets, but also their adoration of them, is what makes shows like this so popular coast to coast, she said.
“Everybody loves dogs and everybody loves their pet,” Richards said. “To be able to go out and show the world what my dog looks like is the biggest thing for me and I love to see how my dog compares to other dogs out there.”
Katherine Dettmer, president of the Gavilan Kennel Club, said the American Kennel Club-sanctioned show will feature obedience and conformation competitions.
During the obedience competition on Friday and Saturday, dogs are tested on how well they follow commands such as sitting and staying, including a command in which the dog is expected to remain seated while the handler leaves the competition ring for a few minutes.
Conformation competitions will be held Saturday and Sunday. Conformation is the type of show dog competition most people are familiar with. Dogs are judged according to how well they conform to the AKC standards established for their breed.
“Judges check the dog’s bone structure, coat and eyes to make sure they’re clear and properly shaped for the standards,” Dettmer said. “They also check the dog’s bite and tail set – how the tail comes out of the spine. Movement and gait are very important. Judges look for smooth fluid movement.
“All the dogs are judged against the standards for their breed. What’s right for a dachshund might not be right for a great dane.”
Dogs compete first against others in their breed. The one judged “best in breed” then moves on to compete against others in the group that his breed belongs to: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting and herding. The dog that wins that competition, judged “best in group,” then moves on to compete for the top title: “best in show.”
The stress of competition can weigh heavily on the prize-winning pooches. Dogs competing in the show will have access to a pet psychic, massages (for canines and their human handlers) and a veterinarian clinic that includes services ranging from cardiology to ophthalmology.
“Breed prizes are ribbons,” Dettmer said. “Dogs also accumulate points toward an AKC championship and greater recognition.
Earning a championship and accumulating points affirm that breeders and owners are improving the breeds they love.
“It’s basically making a statement that your dog is a close representation of what the ideal standard is,” Dettmer said.
Members of the Gavilan Kennel Club are not permitted to show their own dogs in the Gavilan Kennel Club Dog Show. One reason is to avoid the appearance of favoritism for the “home team.” And another reason, Dettmer said, is more practical: The small kennel club with 30 to 40 members from South Santa Clara County and San Benito County needs all hands on deck during the dog show.
Dettmer said the show, the Gavilan Kennel Club’s fifth, will draw dogs from all over California as well as from out of state.
“People tend to show their dogs up and down the Pacific Coast, sometimes as far east as Idaho, Arizona and Nevada,” she said.
Bolado Park has served as the home for the last two Gavilan Kennel Club Dog Shows.
Adults and children are welcome, but the only dogs at Bolado Park this weekend should be those participating in the competition.
“It would probably be overwhelming for the family dog,” Dettmer said of all the canines at the park.
Laura Franchi, past president of the kennel club and co-chairman of the dog show, also reminds visitors to ask the owner or handler before touching any dog.
“Some dogs may not be used to being around children. Some dogs might be a little more tenacious, might be guard dogs,” she said. “Ask before you pet someone’s dog. Don’t startle the dog.”
A dog show is a great place for someone thinking of adding a canine family member to learn about the temperaments and size of different types of dogs, Franchi said. Visitors can also find responsible breeders from whom they can purchase purebred dogs, she said.
“Not every dog is good for every family,” Franchi said. “It’s a good way to see if a dog you’re looking for is the dog for you.”
And it’s a good place to talk to breeders for those thinking about showing a purebred dog.
“Breeders can talk about training issues and how to get involved in showing dogs,” Franchi said.
Love of dogs in general and a passion for a specific breed are what draw most people into the dog show world, said Franchi, who owns and sometimes breeds golden retrievers. “I just love dogs,” she said. “It’s just a chance to do things with your dog. It’s a hobby.”
Franchi finds at least two other bonuses.
“I find the genetics and the pedigrees very interesting,” Franchi said.
And “there’s a lot of really great people showing dogs.”
Lisa Pampuch is a contributor to South Valley Newspapers,
