The Rowan County Fair is right around the corner for the junior exhibitors who plan on showing their dogs in the 4-H Junior Dog Show.
This fun and educational experience focuses on the youth and their ability to relate with their dogs. This year the show is open to all youth 5 to 19 years old. It will be held Sept. 24. Check-in will begin at 5:15 p.m. and all participants must be registered by 5:45 p.m. The show begins at 6 p.m.
All dogs must have their vaccinations for distemper, parvo and rabies and must be a minimum of 4 months old. Proof will be required. Dogs do not have to be purebred, but they need to be well behaved and on a leash for the show.
Classes available include: hound, sporting, non-sporting, working, terrier, toy, herding, miscellaneous, puppy, cloverbud, senior citizen dog, trick and talent.
Lynn Meeks of the Salisbury Kennel Club will be the judge of the show. She will be looking for several key areas including showmanship, the relationship between the youth and the dog, eye contact and awareness of the judge and grooming of the dog. The dog should be washed, clean and well cared for. The judge will ask simple questions of the exhibitors to test their knowledge of the dog.
All exhibitors will receive a ribbon. Best of Class will receive a ribbon and a trophy, and first through fifth placings will receive premiums.
Unlike other competitive shows that are based on pedigree and breed characteristics, the 4-H Junior Dog Show is an enriching, fun experience for all members of the family, including the dog.
To register for the show, download the entry form from the Rowan County 4-H blog at http://rowancounty4-h.blogspot.com or pick one up at the Rowan County Cooperative Extension office at 2727 Old Concord Road, Salisbury.
For more information, contact Sara Drake, 4-H extension agent, at 704-216-8970 or sara_drake@ncsu.edu.
For more information about NC Cooperative Extension, call the Rowan Extension Office at 704-216-8970 or visit http://rowan.ces.ncsu.edu.