The annual Saskatoon Kennel & Obedience Club dog show brought together dog lovers from across Canada at Prairieland Park on Sunday. Enthusiasts traveled from as far as the Yukon and Newfoundland to participate in the event, which showcased dogs of various breeds, each celebrated for their unique qualities and purposes.
Dogs at the show were judged not only on their breed standards but also on how well they performed tasks for which they were originally bred. Lavella Shaw, the Show Superintendent and vice president of the Saskatoon Kennel Club, explained that the dogs were categorized into seven distinct groups: the sporting group, the hound group, the working group, the terrier group, the non-sporting group, the herding group, and toys. The “toys” group refers to dogs specifically bred to be companions.
Shaw emphasized the importance of understanding the specific needs and characteristics of a breed before choosing a dog. “If you want a Siberian, be prepared to have an escape-proof yard because they were bred to run and that’s what they’re going to do. If you want a protection dog, remember you need to have them obedience trained. You need to do your work to be a good canine citizen,” she advised.
The show also highlighted the significance of obedience training for all dog owners. Shaw noted that “90 percent of an obedience class is teaching you, the owner, how to train your dog.”
The event, attended by dog clubs from all corners of the country, celebrated the diverse and beloved breeds that have been a part of Canadian households for generations.
