Nearly 1,800 dogs from 45 states and several foreign countries will compete at the eagerly-anticipated annual Des Moines Dog Shows, Obedience Trials and Rally Trials Sept. 5-7 at the Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The shows, approved by the American Kennel Club, are open to the public and feature one of the largest junior showmanship entries in the country. Admission is free.
The three day cluster of dog shows begins at 8 a.m. Sept. 5 with Best of Breed competitions sponsored by 12 specialty breed clubs. Obedience trials will be sponsored by some of the specialty breed clubs, and an all-breed rally trial will be sponsored by the Des Moines Obedience Training Club.
All breed dog shows will begin at 8 a.m. Sept. 6 and 7 each day and concluding late each afternoon with Group and Best in Show competitions judged by internationally respected purebred dog authorities. Junior showmanship, obedience trials and rally trials will also be held each day. Special attractions Sept. 6 include demonstrations on agility, weight pulling and police dog nose work. On Sept. 7 there will be agility and herding demonstrations. Meet the Breeds offers spectators a chance to learn more about various breeds of dogs.
The three day cluster of dog shows will feature more than 150 breeds of dogs, including several rare breeds and many dogs entered at the Westminster show televised each February.
Donations of unopened pet related items will be collected to benefit The Pet Project Midwest.
Visit www.desmoineskennelclub.com or www.onofrio.com after Aug. 29 for judging schedule.