BIBLE HILL – Dogs of all shapes and sizes will be on display at the MacMillan Show Centre this weekend when the Cobequid Dog Club hosts its annual spring obedience trial.
About 350 dogs will show in the event. The four-legged pets will be divided into seven different groups: sporting, hounds, working, terrier, toys, non-sporting and herding.
One of the entries in the herding group is Sketch, a four-year-old rough collie co-owned by Truro native Beth Rutherford, and shown by 18-year-old handler, Kaitlyn Bates also of Truro.
“Collies love everyone; they’re a very personable dog,” said Rutherford, who has had other breeds but collies are her favourite. “They’re also really laid back. You can take them out and they’ll do whatever you want to do, but they like to come home and sit on the couch.”
Sketch and Kaitlyn are new to this weekend’s event, which is part of the Canadian Kennel Club Obedience trials, but Sketch is no stranger to competition having received his championship for conformation at the age of one.
The dog is also a cousin of American and Canadian champion Ch. Uneeda Last Minute Wish, who won an award of merit at a prestigious dog show in New York last month and who was featured Oprah.com and People Magazine’s peopleplets.com for saving his co-owner from a bear in New York.
Sketch and Kaitlyn have been practicing everyday, working on Sketch’s heeling, sitting and staying.
“It’s a rather interesting experience because the other two dogs I’ve worked with had already been trained,” said Bates. “When I started with Sketch, all he knew was how to sit.”
The wide variety of dogs on hand this weekend even provides a great viewing opportunity for those considering adding a dog to their family.
“It’s a chance to ask questions and see the different temperaments all the breeds offer,” said Cobequid Dog Club representative Nancy McRae.
Rutherford added that showing dogs is also a great way to meet new people.
“I was really shy before. When I was doing things with my dog I felt more confident.”
This weekend’s show will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
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