COLD LAKE - Cold Lake quite literally went to the dogs over the Canada Day long weekend as the Lakeland Kennel Club and Obedience Club hosted not one, not two ... but six competitive dogs shows.
While Boris the Basset Hound was named top dog July 2, he wasn't alone in the winners' circle. Boris was among a pack of canine elite that were front and centre stage during the three-day event.
The Six All Breed Championship Dog Shows attracted 175 canine competitors to the Cold Lake North Arena, according to Anita Johnston, show secretary for the Lakeland Kennel and Obedience Club.
The dog shows took place July 1 to July 3, with a full schedule each day. People came from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia to vie for ribbons and trophies and titles such as championship dog or top dog.
Johnston, who has been with the club for 57 years has been working with dogs since she was 14.
"I rode my bike to the SPCA and got a job there," she explained. Johnston used to own and show mini poodles and Afghans.
"The breeds we saw the most this year included Shetland Sheepdogs, Boxers, and Pomeranians. And this year, for the first time, we saw a Finnish Lapphund and Xoloitzcuintli, which are hairless dogs."
Judges came as far away as British Columbia to judge the dogs. Prizes were awarded for Best in Show, Reserve Best in Show, Best Puppy in Show, Group First, Group second, third, fourth, and Best Puppy in Group.
Groups included sporting dogs, hounds, working dogs, terriers, toys, non-sporting dogs, and herding dogs.
Edmonton artist Eric Diaz was also in attendance during the weekend event painting dog portraits.
