‘ALL ABOUT THE DOGS’
Thousands of canines complete in show at Saratoga County Fairgrounds
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. >> Horses aren’t the only animals showing off in Saratoga this August.
Approximately 8,000 dogs visited the Saratoga County Fairgrounds over the past few days to compete in a series of all-breed dog shows known among owners as the Adirondack Circuit.
The shows were presented from Wednesday through Sunday by the Saratoga (NY) Kennel Club, Inc., Glens Falls Kennel Club, Inc., Mohawk Valley Kennel Club and Southern Adirondack Dog Club, Inc. — all members of the larger American Kennel Club.
Dogs who win in these competitions often go on to appear in some of the biggest dog shows in the country, such as the American Kennel Club/ Eukanuba National Championship, the Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show and The National Dog Show.
After a canceled show in 2020, doglovers made their way to Ballston Spa from all over the country to be a part of this year’s action.
All judging was held outdoors, even in the excessive heat, for which attendees — many of whom camp at the fairgrounds during the show — were advised to plan accordingly.
Despite high temperatures, participants enjoyed being back at the local dog show.
“It’s one of my favorite show sites,” said judge Cindy Huggins, who traveled all the way from California for the event. Huggins is an expert in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed, among others.
This was her first time judging a show again since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’ve missed seeing dogs, judging dogs,” she said, “seeing old friends and meeting new friends.”
Event chairperson Amy Romeo of the Saratoga (NY) Kennel Club has been involved with this show all of her life. “I’ve grown up showing dogs,” she said.
Though she did not personally compete in her club’s show, Romeo likes the leadership role as well. “Being able to see the hard work from people, and being able to see — especially the owner/handlers — that have worked with their dog and you can just see them clicking and working as a team, is just really cool and rewarding,” she said.
Another highlight of working in this environment is seeing all of the new breeds, Romeo said. “There are so many breeds now,” she continued, noting that about 20 new breeds have come about over the past decade.
“There have been so many changes,”
agreed John Ioia, another longtime coordinator of the show.
One thing that’s absolutely stayed the same throughout the years: it’s all about the dogs. For Moana, a one-yearold poodle from Charlton, Wednesday marked her dog show debut. “I just want her to have a good experience,” owner Sue Golden said while grooming Moana’s hair before the contest. “I don’t care about the ribbons right now. I just want her to come and have fun, and not be nervous or worried about anything. We’re just going to have a good time.”