Fresno Fairground goes to the dogs with Sun Maid Kennel Club Dog Show
The show features over 1,500 entries, along with special programs for the kids. The event is free to attend.
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Dogs of all different sizes and breeds are showing off their chops at the Sun Maid Kennel Club Dog Show this weekend.
"Each day we have approximately 1500 dogs entered," Barbara Gaffney, Sun Maid Kennel Club. "It's just fun to come and look at all the dogs because we have dogs here that I'm sure a lot of your viewers have never seen."
Gaffney said seeing purebred dogs showcases what they were bred to do or dispels misconceptions about certain breeds.
Each day is a separate event where a dog will eventually be named 'Best in Show.'
"The idea is that the winners are earning points to their championship, and then those that are already champions are hoping to become best breed, and then move onto the group, and then hopefully maybe become best in show," said Gaffney.
While they come to compete, owners said there are many reasons they participate in these shows.
"The purpose of these shows is to evaluate dogs for their structural integrity, like how well they fit their breed standards," Reid Yule, dog handler. "It goes back to preserving the dogs we've had for hundreds of years and making sure the dogs these days are still at that level."
The dogs aren't the only ones who benefit from the socialization.
"So amongst the group of Cane Corsos, we show with, I have honestly gained lifelong friends, so its kind of cool," said Carmen Noonan, dog handler. Whether we win or lose we always root for each other and we're always there sharing tips, this that and the other, so it's great."
The Sun Maid Kennel Club of Fresno uses some of the proceeds from registration and raffles at the event as a means to give back.
"We have what we call our California Junior Showmanship Competition and it's by invitation only and the top four winners get scholarships to be used for any education beyond high school," said Gaffney.
The show goes through Sunday and is free to attend.
For news updates, follow Kate Nemarich on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
