Young handlers stand out at Crocus club’s dog show

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This article was published 18/02/2025 (291 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Crocus Obedience and Kennel Club held its annual dog show at the Keystone Centre over the weekend, drawing in canine enthusiasts from across the region to compete in a series of events that showcased both obedience and conformation.

The competition featured a range of categories, including Best in Show, Junior Handling, and Best Puppy, with winners celebrating their achievements and sharing the journey that led them to victory.

The event has been running for over 20 years and continues to attract strong participation, dog show chair Joanne Sykes told the Sun on Saturday.

“In conformation, we now have two shows a day, so that’s a maximum of 200 dogs per show,” she said.

Sykes explained that the conformation aspect of the show allows breeders to showcase their dogs based on a written breed standard. “The judge is judging each dog against that written standard, not against the other dogs in the ring,” she said.

The competition progresses through seven groups — sporting, hounds, working, herding, terriers, non-sporting, and toys — before culminating in the Best in Show round.

One of the standout moments of the event was the Junior Handling competition, where young handlers demonstrated their skills in presenting dogs.

Brooke Fitzpatrick took home the overall win with her dog, Rumour, in the category.

“I was pretty happy. I’ve never shown this dog before, so I was glad to win it,” she said. “Building a strong connection with my dog was key to my success.”

Judge Peggy Mignon, who oversaw the Junior Handling category, emphasized the importance of a handler’s connection with their dog. “I want to see how that person interacts with the dog. I want them to be able to look at me and still keep an eye on their dog,” she said.

Mignon also praised the young handlers for their dedication, noting how many of them progress from beginner levels to national competitions.

Kristi Chenk’s 11-month-old Great Dane, Wendy, won the Best Puppy in Show title, a moment she described as “wonderful.” As both the breeder and owner of Wendy, Chenk attributed the win to a combination of conditioning, having a quality dog, and a little bit of luck.

“It takes knowing that the judge might appreciate that dog. But in all reality, there’s also a luck element. Today’s our lucky day,” she said. Chenk looked forward to competing in the next round of judging later that day.

Shelley Mortensen also participated with her Shetland Sheepdog, Denim, who had gained points toward his title in a previous competition. While Denim didn’t earn points at this show, Mortensen remained optimistic, noting that there were still multiple opportunities over the weekend.

Despite the challenges of hosting a winter event, Sykes was pleased with the turnout and participant feedback. “The weather’s been cold, but at least the roads are open,” she said. As always, the organizers took note of both positive and constructive feedback to improve future events.

The Crocus Obedience and Kennel Club’s annual show continues to be a highlight for dog owners and breeders, “celebrating excellence in conformation and handling while fostering a strong community among participants.”

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