Purebreds strut their stuff during St-Lazare dog show
More than 1,300 canines of all breeds at United Kennel Club competition
Dog breeders and handlers from across North America gathered in St-Lazare last weekend to vie for a coveted Best In Show title at the United Kennel Club’s annual allbreed championship show. Event secretary Diana Edwards said the conformation competition included more than 1,300 purebred dogs, including sporting dogs, hounds, working dogs, terriers, toy dogs, non-sporting dogs and herding dogs. During the competition, a panel of expert judges from Mexico, Manitoba, and the Maritimes scrutinized the animals in each of the seven groups to assess how closely they conformed to the Canadian Kennel Club’s breed standards. The Best In Show title went to grand champion Zöldmáli Cetli, a Wirehaired Vizsla shown by St-Lazare handler Emily Burdon, Edwards said. The event also featured the first hound specialty show to be held in Quebec, organized by the All Hound Club of Quebec. Club president Jean-Christophe Boulinguez said 75 hounds registered for the specialty event, with exhibitors coming from throughout Quebec, Ontario, the Maritimes and upstate New York. “We are so passionate about the hounds, so we wanted to offer a special event for those breeds,” Boulinguez said. Boulinguez said although dog competitions like these are aimed at breeders, they can also be a good way for those who are considering adopting a purebred dog to get to know about the characteristics of different breeds. “It’s a good place for the public to get to know new breeds and talk to the breeders,” Boulinguez said. “In my opinion it’s the best way to learn about how the breeds are in real life. “There’s more than just the look to take in consideration when someone is looking to adopt a puppy.” Boulinguez said there are two dog shows a year at the sports complex. The next one will be held over the May long weekend, and will be an all-breed show organized by the Hochelaga Kennel Club.