Dog Show

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

August 14, 2013

Somerset Hills Kennel Club Invites NJ Residents to Attend
The North Branch Cluster, 4-Days of Dog Shows

On September 5 – 8, 2013, a series of dog shows known as the North Branch Cluster will be held at the beautiful North Branch Park at 355 Milltown Rd. in Bridgewater, NJ. As one of New Jersey’s largest dog show weekends, the shows will draw many of the top show dogs from across the country representing approximately 175 different breeds. Sponsored by Purina, the cluster begins Thursday, September 5th with Sporting, Hound and Non-Sporting group shows, and features all-breed shows Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Please visit http://northbranchcluster.org/index.htm for more information.

The cluster’s cornerstone club has been the Somerset Hills Kennel Club (SHKC) and this year marks their 79th all-breed dog show. The SHKC show is held on Saturday, September 7th. Lisa Warren, their show chair says, “This show is the highlight of our club’s year but it is also a wonderful weekend for all dog lovers to come out and celebrate the beauty and variety of our beloved companions. Admission and parking are free and food vendors are on site. There will also be a wide range of vendors selling dog-related products and gifts.”

A family favorite at this year’s cluster will be the American Kennel Club’s new Beginner Puppy Competition. On September 6th, 7th and 8th, puppies from 4–6 months old will compete for the title of Best Beginner Puppy in Show. The 4–6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition is intended to introduce new exhibitors and their puppies to the show world in a stress-free and relaxed environment. The deadline for entering your pure bred puppy is August 22nd. To enter your puppy, just go to: http://www.infodog.com/entry/. This will be a great opportunity for your puppy to socialize with people and other dogs at an optimal time in its development.

If you want to plan your visit to the shows around seeing a specific breed of dog, you can get the complete schedule for each show at http://www.infodog.com/panels/nj.htm after August 26th. Look for shows held in Bridgewater, scroll to the day and the show you are interest in, click on that show and then find the link to the “Judging Program”. All the breeds will be listed with the times they will be shown and the ring they will be in. Come out and join us for a beautiful day with dogs.

Tips for the First-Time Dog Show Spectators

–   After you arrive at the show site, find the superintendent's table and purchase a show catalog. All of the rings at the show are numbered and the catalog will tell you which breeds are being shown in which ring and at what times.

–  If professional groomers are free under the exhibition tents, visit and talk with them to get tips on keeping your dog looking his best.

–  However tempting, do not pet a dog without asking for permission first. The dog may have just been groomed in preparation for being judged.

–  At each dog show, you will find vendors and information booths. Many club booths offer helpful information to the general public.

–  Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be doing a lot of walking. Unless you bring a chair or arrive early, be prepared to stand most of the time, as seating is usually limited.

–  If you bring a baby stroller to a dog show, be careful that you do not run over any dog's tail or feet, and that your child does not grab or poke the dogs it can reach. Avoid having them near ring entrances, which are especially crowded. Some shows prohibit baby strollers.

The North Branch Cluster is a great place to see your favorite breed of dog
and learn from experienced breeders, owners and handlers.

Photo courtesy of Ellen O’Connell.