Dog show Saturday at SCCC fieldhouse

LOCH SHELDRAKE—The Northeast Regional Leonberger Club will hold its annual dog show at Sullivan County Community College’s Paul Gerry Fieldhouse in Loch Sheldrake from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22. The Leonberger breed was developed in Leonberg, Germany, in 1835. It is a cross between a St. Bernard, a Newfoundlander, and a Great Pyrenees. It was specifically bred to resemble a lion, and to be used as a symbol for the town crest of Leonberg. The breed almost faced extinction after World War I, but was revived by the Germans. It made its appearance in the U.S. in the 1960s and 1970s. The Leonberger Club of America was officially founded in 1984. One of its original founders, Waltraut Zeiher, will serve as a judge at the show. The show program will begin with a Parade of Veterans for dogs seven years of age and over; a Memorial Poem; and the Introduction of New Puppies, eight to 11 weeks old, making their first appearance in the show ring. There will be non-regular, confirmation competitions for dogs, from three to eighteen months of age, that are spayed or neutered and not competing for points towards a championship. This event judges a dog on its appearance. The show also will include the obedience rings where dogs are competing for points to bring them to the next level of competition. During the lunch break, the club will host a presentation by Monticello Police K-9 Officer Hunter, and his handler and owner Officer Pratti. The club will hold a raffle, with proceeds going towards a bulletproof vest for Hunter. The show will conclude with a competition in the confirmation ring. The winners of each of the classes will compete for the title of Best of Breed for the show. For more information, call 798-9038.