The Grand Traverse Kennel Club began its annual “Cherry Capital Classic” Friday, a multi-event dog show featuring dogs of every shape and size.
Taking place at the Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds, the weekend-long event ranks dogs based on confirmation, rally and obedience.
According to the American Kennel Club, confirmation refers to how well a dog fits its breed standard, while rally is the dog’s ability to navigate a course.
Owners also have the opportunity to test their dog’s speed at “Fast Cat,” a “100-yard dash for the dogs” featuring a long fenced-in runway and a motorized flag for the dogs to chase.
Canines of every breed imaginable flooded the fairgrounds, going on walks, being pampered in the grooming barns and taking naps in their kennels.
One of the weekend’s competitors was Chuck Ialungo and his bear-like Newfoundland, Jeffrey.
Ialungo said that he has owned Newfoundlands for 45 years after falling in love with their calm temperament.
He began competing in dog shows in 1980, touring the country with his pooches, jumping from show to show.
Jeffrey placed second in the working group portion of Friday’s shows, which spotlights blue-collar dog breeds.
“He’s been a good boy,” Ialungo said. “I could yell at him. I mean, he doesn’t even care. I’m serious. ‘Stop what you’re doing! Stop it. Stop it!’ And he’s like wagging his tail.”
Jeffrey lay down on the sidewalk beside Ialungo, flaunting his new bright red ribbon.
Terri Miles and her English springer spaniel, Diamond, were also competitors at the event.
Miles has been competing at dog shows for nearly 30 years and bred Diamond herself.
After taking second place in confirmation, the pair relaxed in the grooming barn.
Miles said her favorite part of competing is good company.
“I like getting to hang around with the people, you know, seeing the different breeds being here at the showing with my dog,” she said.
English bulldog Tay and her owner, Lisa Leatherman, were out on a walk before their turn to compete in confirmation.
Leatherman said she has been handling bulldogs in competition for 40 years, since she was a child.
Similar to Miles, Leatherman’s favorite part of dog shows is the relationships that she builds with other competitors.
“And you know, playing with the dog is also fun,” she joked.
