book is in its second printing. Folks fight over the limited first editions on eBay, bidding more than $100 a copy!
Celebrating our area's four-legged, feathered and finned friends
Paducah Kennel Club Show: June 6 & 7
Want to see a real dog show just like on TV? Just like that Christopher Guest movie, Best In Show?
Come on out to the Paducah Kennel Club for the annual AKC Dog Show, 9 a.m., Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7. Download the PDF for directions and a show schedule, including which breeds are showing when.
The first Paducah Kennel Club dog show was in 1959. This year, nearly 500 dogs from all over will compete at the beautiful grounds on Fisher Road. It’s only about a 10-minute drive from Downtown, out past WKCTC, or you can get to it easily from Barkley Regional Airport.
You can learn more about your favorite breed, and shop for special goodies at the vendors. There will be food, too. BBQ and Ken’s lemonade!
Here’s some things to know before you go:
- There is no admission fee! (But this may be the last year that the show is free for spectators.)
- AKC rules state that only dogs entered in the show are allowed on the grounds. It’s a safety issue and a good idea. Five hundred dogs are enough.
- Ask before touching any dog. It’s show time!
- Children are welcome, but must be under direct supervision of a responsible adult. Make sure the kids understand that they must ask the handler before touching any dog.
- They can watch other kids showing in Junior Showmanship, trying to qualify for Westminster, at 12:45 on Saturday and 8:30 on Sunday.
- You can clap and whoop and holler for your favorite dog! The dogs eat it up!
- There are no dogs for sale at any AKC show, but folks love to talk about their breed. The best time is after they’re done showing; nerves can be a little raw beforehand.
- You can wander around the RV and van parking areas to see more dogs and talk to nice dog folk.
You’ll see the handlers putting something in their mouths, and then giving it to the dogs. That’s usually liver, or steak, or chicken. (My husband loves the night before a dog show — I cook steak on the grill!) The handlers use their cheek as a third hand. That’s why the dogs look so interested. It’s love, plus liver!
The whole dog show atmosphere is somewhat surreal. You don’t want to miss it when it’s right here in our own beautiful back yard!
