Even the youngest members of your pack can have fun this Sat. and Sun., Nov. 19-20, at The National Dog Show. Both show days are “benched,” meaning more than 2,000 dogs and their handlers and owners will be available to meet and greet with visitors.
Kids can learn about 184 different dog breeds, and maybe get a few licks along the way! Be sure to say hello to heroic 2011 Show Ambassador, “Eli”, one of the last surviving 9/11 therapy dogs who aided victims at Ground Zero.
6 New Breeds at Show
Six new breeds will be among the 160 American Kennel Club-sanctioned breeds participating in the National Dog Show Nov. 19 & 20 in Oaks, PA. They include:
Entlebucher Mountain Dog, a highly-energetic herding dog that is easy to train and possess an excellent work ethic.
Norwegian Lundehund, nicknamed the “Puffin Dog," because it was originally used to hunt puffin, a kind of penguin.
Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-eats-queen-tlee), one of the world’s oldest breeds. Central American and Mexican lore is that the Xolo is able to ward off evil spirits and intruders.
American English Coonhound, a descendant of the English Foxhound renowned for his speed and endurance.
Cesky Terrie, one of the Czech Republic’s national breeds, a terrier traditionally used in small game hunting.
Finnish Lapphund, native to the Arctic Circle and was originally used for reindeer herding.
While some dogs parade in the ring, others are expertly trained to dive, jump and weave through obstacle courses, and catch flying discs from amazing heights. The Purina Pro Plan Performance Team will present shows each day. Cheer on agility dogs as they race through obstacle courses and perform fearless feats.
Plus, learn how to train your puppy with obedience mini-lessons by What a Good Dog. Kids will enjoy the MetroKids Family FunZone, with face painting, Scooby Doo moonbounce (Sunday only) and live caricature drawing by talented artist David Perry.
Saturday tends to be more crowded, so beat the bustle by attending on Sunday. Tickets for ages 4-11 are $7, and for 12 & older, $14. Children ages 3 & younger are admitted free. At the door tickets are cash only, but they can be purchased online with credit cards at NationalDogShow.com.
Saturday Schedule
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8:30am |
Breed Judging begins |
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10:30am |
Pro Plan Performance Team Demonstration |
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12noon |
Pro Plan Performance Team Demonstration |
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12:15pm |
Freestyle Flying Disc Demonstration |
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12:30pm |
Kennel Club of Philadelphia “Dogs’ Best Friend” Award; Ambassador Introduction |
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1pm |
The National Dog Show Group Judging begins |
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5pm |
Best-In-Show Judging |
Sunday Schedule
|
8:30am |
Breed Judging begins |
|
10:30am |
Pro Plan Performance Team: Agility, Flying Disc & Diving |
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12noon |
Pro Plan Performance Team: Agility, Flying Disc & Diving |
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1:30pm |
Kennel Club of Philadelphia Group Judging begins |
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2:30pm |
Pro Plan Performance Team: Agility, Flying Disc & Diving |
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5pm |
Kennel Club of Philadelphia Best-In-Show Judging |
Agility Dogs Perform at Preview
On Nov. 3, MetroKids attended a preview for The Kennel Club of Philadelphia Dog Shows featuring The National Dog Show presented by Purina at the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia. Agility dogs from What a Good Dog in Villanova, PA performed and preschooler students from the Jenkintown Day Nursery received tips from trainers on how to safely approach and pet a dog.
Click on any thumbnail photo below to open a slideshow photo gallery.
Families can see live dog agility demonstrations in the MetroKids Family Fun Zone at the National Dog Show, Nov. 19-20, 2011 at the Greater Philadelphia Convention Center in Oaks, PA. Dog Show guests can also see pets prepare for the competition and meet with owners to learn more about dog breeds.
You may also like… our Facebook fans' Blue Ribbon Dog Photo Gallery!
Photos by Stephanie Halinski
