Update: CNY Central has a limited number of FREE tickets to give away - call 477-9400
This mastiff --all 200 pounds of him--paid us a visit on Weekend Today in CNY
SYRACUSE -- 'Best in Show' is the coveted award at any dog show, but it's not the only prize. At Syracuse's spring dog shows, which start Thursday, there will be judging for Agility, Obedience, Rally and Conformation divisions. About a thousand dogs, from all over the country and Canada, are expected, 'chasing points' for a championship--Syracuse is a big destination because there are four shows back to back, maximizing the prize possibilities.
The show is in two big State Fair buildings, with conformation judging starting with breeds, then groups, then the Best in Show prize, 8:30am - 4pm daily
Thursday - Sunday. In addition there are vendors with all kinds of dog related items. And spectators can walk thru the prep areas, watching how show handlers get their dogs ready for the show ring.
Karen Paquette from Port Byron, who brought in the mastiff in the picture, says a good time for people looking for a specific breed to come is on Saturday at noon, when exhibitors put on a Meet the Breeds program. You could talk with people who work with that breed and find out their characteristics, to see if they really are a match for your family. Her Mastiff, for example ---a champion dog who, at 8 years plus is showing (and winning) in the veteran's category--a very big dog at 200-lbs plus, but not one that needs a lot of exercise. However, he eats (8 cups of dog food a day, and Karen has eight of these giants at home!).
Thursday is free to watch. The rest of the weekend $5 for adults, $2 for children 12 and under. Again, Meet the Breeds is Saturday noon at the Fair Exhibit Center, where the breed judging (conformation) is done. Rally, Obedience and Agility are judged in the Center of Progress.
CNY Central has a limited number of FREE tickets to give away. If you are interested, call 477-9400. Tickets will be given out on a first call, first serve basis.
