Marquette, Mich (WZMQ) – September 16th through the 18th is when the Kennel Club Dog Show is taking place and it will be at the Marquette County Fairgrounds. Their 47th annual dog show will be showing off canines associated with the AKC Canine Partners Program
Just like physical training, a dog’s breeding genetics play a big role in how the dog will grow up and develop its behavior.
Jill Rankinen has been showing dogs for over 40 years. “It’s just a passion that you have”, said Rankinen.
Watching the dog competitions can be a fun time, however, for these handlers and breeders, this is their Superbowl. These breeders need to make sure their genetic line is healthy so that they can continue to improve the breed. “you’re looking for a breeder that has that behind them that does the health testing that proves that their dog is correct for the breed standard” said Dawn Strumble.
A correct breed standard look is a crucial part of competing successfully in the dog show. Genetic accuracy is a big part of this competition and for generations, these breeders have been working on their line, pushing for perfection. Everything from the snout to their hip alignment counts toward their breed accuracy.
“There’s a breed standard for every breed and that’s what our goal is. To breed as close to that breed standard as possible”, said Dawn.
The Marquette Kennel Clubs does provide courses such as their 6-week scent work course where you can start your dog on some mental stimulus. For more information, click here.
