Dog show competition is a matter of pride, not riches
Nearly 900 dogs representing 122 breeds from Afghan hounds to whippets converged on the Kane County Fairgrounds Saturday in St. Charles to compete at the Elgin Kennel Club dog show and obedience trials.
Led by their owners and handlers, tiny Yorkshire terriers, mighty Great Danes and elegant collies (rough and smooth) stood at attention and then pranced around the ring, under the constant scrutiny of the judges.
"The dogs are judged on how they meet the breed standards," explained Peggy Haas of the Elgin Kennel Club. She is chair of the show.
Dogs compete in seven variety groups: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, nonsporting and herding. The winner from each of the groups goes on to compete in best in show. Dogs also earn points toward their championships.
"People come from all over," Haas said.
It can't be for the money. Best in show offers a $50 cash prize and best in each variety group pays $35, not nearly enough to cover expenses.
"It's having fun with my dog and getting to say he's extra special," said Carolyn Rusteberg of Naperville, regarding the competition. She had entered her year-old Irish setter Shane, one of three Irish setters in the competition.
Rusteberg said she has had five Irish setters.
"They're not as popular today as golden retrievers or yellow labs," Rusteberg said. "But they are a very loving breed."
"We do this as a family hobby," said Ziggy Bednarz of Park Ridge. "We go to dog shows as family outings."
He trains Brittany spaniels while his daughter, Hali, shows them. Their 9-year-old female Daisy had just won "best of opposite." The best of breed had gone to a male.
"I'm not disappointed," Hali Bednarz said. "I'm proud. It shows the judges really liked her."
Brittany spaniels compete in the sporting group.
"I train them and I hunt with them in Wisconsin," Ziggy Bednarz said. "Daisy is full broke to hunt. That means she will point at a bird and not touch it until I get there.
"I love my dogs," he added. "And you make friends with owners of other Britannys."
The dog show continues Sunday beginning at 7 a.m.
For information on the Elgin Kennel Club, visit elginkennelclub.com.