CUMBERLAND — The Upper Potomac Valley Kennel Club and the Laurel Highlands Kennel Association kicked off the four-day 2024 Summer Mountain Cluster Dog Show at the Allegany County Fairgrounds Thursday. Thursday’s festivities headed by the Laurel Highlands Kennel Association saw 538 dogs entered into competition, which included showmanship and obedience. “It’s basically a beauty contest,” said Gladys Knox, president of the Laurel Highlands Kennel Association.
“It’s all about the best breeding and showcasing.” A portion of proceeds from the show that the kennel clubs receive will go to local nonprofit groups and service animal providers. Each dog is compared to a “standard” implemented by the American Kennel Club, rather than rules for each breed, according to Knox.
One ring will include confirmation, which determines a dog’s adherence to its breed standard by judges. Another ring will have obedience and rally competitions. First, dogs compete in breeds, then the best of the bunch will be qualified into the group stage, where they are then eligible for Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show.
“That’s basically first and second place for the entire day,” said Milt Haderer, the president of the Upper Potomac Valley Kennel Club. On each day of the four-day competition, a Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show winner will be selected. “There’s people that come from all over the country,” Haderer said.
Karen Rockwell is chief steward of the Laurel Highlands Kennel Association and works at the show every year. She has two whippets, Poppy and Tallulah. “The competition is a good place to show off companionship,” Rockwell said.
“You can show people that you have the best companion.” Friday’s and Sunday’s events will be sponsored by the Upper Potomac Valley Kennel Club, while the Laurel Highlands Kennel Association will take over again on Saturday. Each day’s competition will begin at 8:30 a.
m. in the fairground’s multipurpose building, while some will take place in the pavilion behind it. Winners are normally announced around 5 p.
m. each day. Admission to the show is free but parking is $5 per vehicle before 12:30 p.
m..
