National AKC Dog Show
JACKSON, Tenn. — It’s an animal friendly weekend here in the Hub City, and dog lovers are full of competition. It’s comes down to which pup has what it takes to get the job done at the AKC Dog Show happening here in the Hub City.
During the occasion, The Jackson Tennessee Dog Fanciers Association also hosts a community leaders lunch with local dignitaries to share the economic benefits the dog show brings to Jackson-Madison County including exhibitors that bring in the dogs from around the world. The association also contributes to the community through volunteer opportunities and gifts to other organizations.
“It takes a lot of conditioning, knowing your breed, knowing the breed standard, and getting out here to compete. It’s a lot of fun, though it can be a lot of heartbreak, but basically breeders do what I do and have a good time doing it,” said Joanne Reed, AKC breeder & handler.
It’s a place where all your furry friends are invited to find some of the best of the best at the fairgrounds. From large dogs, medium dogs, and small dogs. They’re all in it to win it.
“We have about 400 dogs this weekend coming through this dog show. These are all the best of the best in the breeds. We have judges here that we evaluate each of the dogs to make sure they match a breed standard, and then they will select the best of the best. Then, we’re going to have best of show,” said Cathi Roberts, board member for the Jackson TN Dog Fanciers Association.
Participants are competing for ribbons, and trophies, but the main thing they are competing for are points. Overall, points are tallied up over the course of their career to gain different titles, and get invitations to things like Westminster, which this competition serves as a preliminary for as well.
“We need to place in these groups, we need to win the breed and he won the breed today. Like I said, he is the number one Caucasian in the United States,” said Reed.
“It’s a free opportunity for the community to come out and look at dogs. We do have restrictions because it is an AKC sanctioned event. We try to avoid strollers or bringing in dogs that are not in the show,” explained Roberts.
Representatives travel across the country to be a part of the occasion, some even coming as far as Canada. Nevertheless, the AKC Dog Show brings in more than $600,000 to Jackson-Madison County.
