More than 2000 canines are in Iowa’s capitol city this weekend for the Des Moines All Breed Dog Show.
Carol Jackson, president of the Des Moines Kennel Club, says the dogs and their owners are arriving from 45 states and several foreign countries. Some of them are entered in “confirmation,” which Jackson calls the doggie version of a beauty contest based on standards for each individual breed.
The public is welcome to attend the events which range from being for first-time dog owners all the way up to Westminster Kennel Club-style competitions. She says the “meet the breed” event lets people talk to all sorts of dog owners about pets they might be considering. Jackson says the obedience contests go from beginners up to advanced levels where no voice is used — only hand signals.
About 150 breeds of dogs will be represented, many of which most people won’t recognize. Breeds listed include French bulldogs, Italian greyhounds, Japanese chins, Chinese shar-peis and many more.
The dog show opened Friday and runs through Monday at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Admission is free.