It’s a big weekend coming up for the Southland Kennel Association Championship  Show.

The club has been going strong since 1934 and holds its major show weekend late October/early November, attracting exhibitors and dogs from throughout the country.

This year two Canadian judges will be officiating alongside the other New Zealand judges, and more than 200 dogs will be involved in the last two days of the show.

There are three levels of judging in the show: Breed, Group and Best in Show.  The dog that wins the Best of Breed then advances to the next level – the Group competition.  There are seven groups (toys, terriers, gun dogs, hounds, working group, utility group and non-sporting).

At this level, each dog is judged in comparison to their standard, not against the looks of the other dogs. For example, competitors in the hound group vary from the tallest breed, the Irish Wolfhound, to the shortest breed, the Miniature Dachshund. Winners of each group then advance on to the Best In Show competition.

The general public are welcome to come and view the show at Kennington, talk to breeders and meet the dogs.

The Southland Kennel Association was founded in 1934 and today is one of New Zealand’s strongest regional kennel clubs, with a membership in excess of 60 local members. An active club with an emphasis on pedigree dogs and conformation showing, the club provides members and local dog owners with a range of activities, such as showing and training their dog and an annual health clinic where breeders can get their stock tested prior to breeding.

What sets the club apart from others around the country is the fact that it has its own freehold property, including an indoor venue and grounds, allowing them to pursue activities without impacting on others.

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