IT'S SHOW TIME

The sport of showing dogs is not limited to Britain and North America. It is a huge pastime throughout Europe, Scandinavia, the Orient, South America, Australia, New Zealand and even Russia. The 1998 World Show held in Helsinki, Finland drew many of the world's top show dogs and a total entry in excess of 15,000 dogs. Held in a different country each year, the World show has been likened to the Olympics for dogs. Although it lacks the impressive history of Crufts and Westminster, it is a spectacular event, drawing thousands of participants and spectators from all corners of the world.

Few events can boast entries as large as Crufts or the World Show, but the total number of dogs shown worldwide is staggering. In the US alone, it is estimated that 2 million dogs are entered in events annually. In Canada, nearly 200,000 dogs compete every year just in conformation shows. Considering these numbers, it is not surprising that the sport is a multi-million dollar industry and generates a great deal of revenue for related industries and in communities where events are held.

The next series of articles will focus on The Making of a Show Dog and will explore the dog show industry. Until then, why not take in a dog show? If you have never attended one, you are missing a unique experience. Who knows? There may be a show dog in your future.

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