Mid-Hudson Kennel Association: Points Shows and Conformation Shows

Once again, MHKA joined with the Wallkill and Shawangunk Kennel Clubs to host this year's Hudson Valley Cluster of Dog Shows at the Ulster County Fair Grounds, which ran from Thursday, June 24th to Saturday June 26th.
Last year's show was rainy, but this year the participants got sunshine--a lot of it on Friday--but kept the pace going nevertheless. Fortunately, the fairgrounds offers many shady spots.

There was a good turnout. In addition to the judging going on in the ring, and the grooming and socializing in the tent, exhibitors and spectators were treated to welcome refreshment, compliments of the host clubs--on Friday, ice cream sundaes and brownies, and on Saturday, a buffet lunch set up under the tent.

Representatives from the Working, Sporting, Non-Sporting, Herding, Terrier, Hound and Toy groups were in the ring over the three days of judging, which makes this event an excellent opportunity for those looking for a puppy to learn more about specific breeds, and make contact with reputable breeders--especially as there is no charge for admission or parking for spectators.

The Mid-Hudson Kennel Association hosted Saturday's show, and that morning offered a New Exhibitors' Briefing, open to all those who were interested. President Mary Kelly was there to provide information at a station near the trophies, and many vendors provided the usual toys, tools, snacks and pet paraphernalia. And also as usual, a lot of people put in a lot of work, and had a lot of fun.

A university town just off NY Thruway 87, New Paltz offers many restaurants, shops, a brewery, and resort activities to enjoy when the show is over. To get there, view the map.

Also known as all-breed and point shows, dog shows provide a venue in which dogs are evaluated as future breeding stock. Each dog is judged against its breed's Standard. Each of the recognized AKC breeds has its own written Standard, which describes the ideal size, temperament, color, movement and structure of each breed. At a dog show, dogs compete for points which advance them to the title of Champion. In order to earn a Championship, a dog must have 15 points and 2 major wins that were awarded by 3 different judges at separate shows.