Two dog shows put pets through paces By Beth Feinstein

Two dog shows put pets through paces

By Beth Feinstein-Bartl
Special Correspondent
Posted April 6 2003

Ref: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-pp06treedogapr06.story

Pooches posed, ran obstacle courses and obeyed commands at two separate dog shows on the same day at Tree Tops Park in Davie.

But while the canines performed similar tasks, the events catered to two very different breeds. In one field, members of the South Florida Labrador Retriever Club held their semiannual match show. Across the way, the Shetland Sheepdog Club of Southeast Florida put on its Sheltie Olympics.

Owners at both shows, held last month, praised their breed as special.

"They're wonderful, perfect," said Jackie Carlton, a Davie resident who sits on the board of Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida and owns three Labradors.

Sue and Dan Zinn, of Pembroke Pines, said they came to the club's match show so their black Labrador, Morgan, could socialize with other dogs.

The couple said they did a lot of research to find a breed that would fit their lifestyle. "We canoe and kayak," Dan Zinn said. "Labs are water dogs. They're also good-natured, friendly and bright." ...

At the South Florida Labrador Retriever Club's show, owners and their dogs were socializing and having fun, too. The match show was only for practice. No points needed to become an American Kennel Club champion were awarded, said Debbie Bates, match show chairwoman.

The Labradors went through obedience trials and conformation, a kind of beauty contest where they are evaluated to determine how closely the dog resembles the standard for its breed, Bates said.

There also was bobbing for hot dogs, musical mats, egg relay races and other competitions, she said.

The club's show wasn't just for Labradors, however. Other breeds could enter the obedience trials and events, such as bobbing for hot dogs, said Linda Jordan, a Miami resident and club president.

Kris Caslar, of Hollywood, and her mother, Chrys Caslar, of Miramar, came with their two Chihuahuas, Mickey and Tinkerbell. "We thought this would be a nice family affair," Kris Caslar said. "It's a way for my mother and I and our dogs to bond and meet other dog owners."