COLD LAKE - The Cold Lake Dog Show, held from June 29 to July 1 at the Cold Lake North Arena, showcased a dazzling array of dogs from 8:30 a.m.to 5 p.m. each day. Organized by the Lakeland Kennel and Obedience Club, this event brought together 175 dogs from across Western Canada and beyond.
"What it is, is dogs coming from all across Western Canada, mostly probably here. Sometimes they come in from the States and it's a show for confirmation. So, it's a matter of every dog has a breed standard. The judge is judging against a breed standard," said Georgena Graham, president of the Lakeland Kennel and Obedience Club.
The show was a testament to breeders' dedication to maintaining breed standards. "As breeders, we strive to breed the best that we can breed to the breed standard, as far as health and conformation and everything else.” Graham explained.
Dogs were judged in seven different groups, with the ultimate goal of crowning a Best in Show and a Best Puppy in Show. "It'll be a process of elimination, to the end of the show.”
The event also provided an educational component, allowing spectators to learn about different breeds.
“People can actually see a dog and ask questions because maybe they may be interested and then that breeder can kind of show them in the right direction," Graham noted.
The Cold Lake Dog Show also brought economic benefits to the community, according to Graham.
"You know what it brings people into the community like these people are staying in motels. There's a few campers here, but they stay in the motels. They go to the restaurants, they go to the stores, we put up our judges in the motel rooms. It has economic benefits for sure," said Graham.
This year, the show received sponsorship for the first time for prizes and to help offset the cost of judges.
Individuals can find the results of the winning dogs from all six shows on CanuckDogs.com, courtesy of the Lakeland Kennel & Obedience Club.
