It’s a real “dog day afternoon”! The Long Island Kennel Club will be welcoming families and their fur-children to the Long Island Kennel Club Show on Sunday, May 19, from 9 a.m. — 4 p.m. at the beautiful Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay.
This year’s Long Island Kennel Club show follows the world-famous Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show earlier in the week. Many canine contenders are expected to leave the Big Apple and then head east to compete at the annual spring dog shows in Nassau County on Friday, May 17, through Sunday, May 19, all held at the same beautiful venue.
All three shows celebrate everything canine, from impeccable show dogs and trick-dog demonstrations to doggie dock diving and an agility obstacle course. Fun-filled events and attractions make this festival a treat for anyone who loves dogs — that is to say, everyone!
Thanks to the efforts of its first president, Dwight Moore, breeder of Boston Terriers, vice president F.B. Thompson and Joseph M. Dale as secretary and treasurer, the Long Island Kennel Club was formed in 1903. The founders were determined to establish a kennel club for the purpose of holding an annual dog show. That same year, the club incorporated and became a member of the American Kennel Club, having submitted its Constitution, By Laws and Code of Ethics. Monthly meetings were held in Brooklyn.
In February of 1903, over 100 members attended a meeting to finalize the club’s first dinner arrangements with invited guests being members, friends, exhibitors attending Westminster and judges.
Gustov Muss Arnolt, an early director of the American Kennel Club and well known to those in the sport as an artist having contributed to covers of the AKC Gazette, was the key speaker. November 11, 12, 13, 1903 saw an entry of over 700 canines at the club’s first show; the venue was the Clermont Avenue Rink in Brooklyn. The printed catalog sold for 25 cents and included a who’s who of the elite such as Vanderbilt, Whitney, Auchincloss and Rutherford. Each proudly paraded their home bred exhibits before the judges and the competition was fierce.
Today, the club continues its mission to protect and improve the health and welfare of purebred dogs. Members vow to work for the general good of breeders, owners and exhibitors of dogs.
The weekend’s daily activities culminate with the all-breed Conformation judging all three days. Hundreds of superbly presented dogs — coiffed collies, pedicured poodles, dandified Dandie Dinmonts, and other breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club — vie for bragging rights as they contend for Best in Show. All are invited to this parade of pups to cheer on the winner of the coveted ribbon. Sunday will feature a special demonstration by the NYPD Transit Bureau Canine Unit at 11 a.m., showing how their dogs take down perpetrators and respond to their handlers’ commands.
Other activities will include:
AKC’s My Dog Can Do That! — A professional instructor will help your dog navigate tunnels and jumps, just like those high-powered agility dogs on television.
Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog tests — Does your dog have what it takes to be a good canine citizen? Can your hound give a high five? Testers will be on hand to see if your dog makes the grade.
Dock Diving — It’s the latest water sport for dogs! Watch water-obsessed pupsters compete for longest and highest distance. A professional will be on hand to teach your pooch how to make a splash.
Dog Shows — From toys and terriers to herders and hounds, watch these professional pooches strut their stuff.
Ask a Breeder — This is your chance to meet local purebred breeders and ask them anything you’ve always wanted to know about your specific breed.
Chow — Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Vendors — Take some pooch-centric goodies back to your dog house.
Admission of $20 per car load includes all-day access to the Planting Fields Arboretum (1395 Planting Fields Rd, Oyster Bay, NY), a beautifully preserved Gold Coast mansion and gardens that hearken back to Long Island’s Gilded Age glamour. www.plantingfields.org.
Dogs must be leashed at all times. No prong collars, retractable leashes or head halters.
For general information about the show, contact 516-776-0923, or visit www.longislanddogshows.com.
For further information about the Long Island Kennel Club or questions you might have on a particular breed of dog, please call 516 776-0923.
