Eastern Shore Classic Dog Show seeks top dog champion
SALISBURY, Md.- Cru is one of over 800 other dogs to compete in the Eastern Shore Classic Dog Show, and he snagged ‘Best in Breed’ in Sunday’s competition. He’s getting ready to compete against other top tier pups, to win the overall ‘Best in Dog Show’ title.
“It’s not just like obedience, that they walk straight and such. Instead, how do they compare to this perfect animal that’s been described?” competition judge, Cindy Lane, said.
Hundreds of show dogs from across the nation, and even some from other countries, competed for the top dog status at this year’s Eastern Shore Classic Dog Competition.
Cru, the mellow Leonberger, has competed in 200 other dog competitions, so today’s ‘Best in Breed’ win was a walk in the park for him.
“I have someone who handles him in the ring, so I watch from the outside,” Andrea Dadigan, Cru’s owner, said. “It’s such a fun time, and he enjoys it and I enjoy it.”
Each dog is compared to a standard criterion, from various breeds. Competition chair, April Clyde, said this method gives each pooch a fair shot at showcasing their skills to watchful judges, narrowing down the competition to only the best show dogs.
“They don’t compare the dogs to each other as much as they say, ‘what does this individual breed, this individual dog, how does it compare to its breed standard?’ It’s quite a process,” Clyde said.
And that winning show dog, they’ll go on to someday create a legacy of future competition champions.
“The hope is when you show your dog, you finish its championship,” Clyde said. “Most reputable breeders like to finish their dog’s championship, to demonstrate merit, before they breed the dog.”
“That’s what the shows are all about– selecting the breeding stock that’s going to eventually make people’s pets,” Clyde added.
Whether her companion takes home the title of ‘Best Show Dog’ or not, Dadigan is she’s happy she was able to add yet another competition to the books.
“He likes to be here; he likes to have fun and to go in the ring, and it’s something for us to do together,” Dadigan said.
