Like many kennel clubs, we had to cancel our 2020 show, which was to be our first in our new digs at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. We did have a show in 2021, very scaled back with rigorous pandemic restrictions. This year we’re back with a new date, the second weekend in April, and we are ready to roar.

In addition to our stand-alone two-day show where we always offer NOHS competition, we are bringing back some of our favorites– the commemorative veterans’ competition (which is open to altered dogs) on Saturday, Brace competition on Sunday, our Gun Dog Sweeps for working hunters (you just have to have a measurable achievement in any field event, FT, Hunt Test, WC, NAHVDA, etc.)

We’ll be back with our Friday evening puppy match– $10 day of entries only– also open to adult dogs without majors, a relaxed and fun event to help get your puppies and novice dogs ready for the show ring. There is a free handling class at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. For the first time ever we will have a separate competition for Beginner Puppies 4-6 months of age on Saturday and Sunday. You can find our premium list at MB-F the week of February 7th. Entries close Wednesday, March 16th at noon, or whenever we reach our numerical limit of 1500, whichever comes first.

We are loving our new buildings, new and clean with plenty of restrooms and climate-controlled. The Montgomery County Fairgrounds is at a secure park-like setting (regularly patrolled by the local sheriff’s office) There is no grooming allowed in the show building (it plays havoc with the HVAC) but there is a building (with restrooms) located about fifty feet away across a paved apron. Reserved grooming space is available for the entire weekend for $25, and there will also be free spaces available after 4 p.m. on Friday. There are no wash racks, and we ask you to please not bring high-velocity forced air dryers to this venue.

Our poster lady this year is Dayton native, Natalie Smith Barney, who moved to Paris as a teenager where she lived out her life as a writer, activist, and bon vivant, hosting literary salons for all the important artistic personalities. She is shown here around 1900 (still in the U.S.) with her French Bulldog.

Spectators are welcome, admission and day parking are both free. We are expecting around 150 different kinds of dogs to see!

This year’s shows are dedicated to the memory of our long-time official show photographers, Brian and Betsy Kurtis, who both tragically succumbed to cancer within months of each other over the summer, and to legendary Afghan Hound breeder and club member, Gary D. Sinck, who died last spring just prior to his 80th birthday. We miss all three of these wonderful people so much.

And finally, last but not least, we are pleased to tell you that the free coffee is back. Fresh, hot coffee, all day long, with real half-and-half, if that’s the way you like it.