Around 900 dogs competing at annual Kennel Club Show

DES MOINES, Iowa — Around 900 dogs, representing 140 different breeds, are competing at the annual Kennel Dog Show this weekend in the Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

The Des Moines Kennel Club is celebrating its 99th year of operation this year. They’re hosting hundreds of dogs from 17 different states.

Spectators can watch the judging for various breeds in Conformation, an event where judges choose which dog of a specific breed is the most beautiful.

Terri King, an Ankeny native, is showing her dog Thurston on Sunday. Thurston is a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, or PBGV, and competed in multiple events including the Conformation with other PBGV dogs. Thurston won in this competition.

King said a lot of work goes into the event that many people don’t realize, and it starts from day one. But, this isn’t Thurston’s first dog show. Although he’s only three years old, he’s won multiple different titles.

Outside of the Conformation, there are other events spectators can witness, including Obedience, which tests a dog’s ability to follow commands, and the National Owner-Handeler Series, where owners/handelers show their skills by guiding their dogs.

Show Chair, James Stauch said next year’s event will be huge because they will honor the Kennel Club’s 100th year of operation.

Admission and parking are both free and the event runs until 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

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