The Paper Cities Kennel Club will be holding its annual AKC licensed All-Breed Dog Shows and Obedience/Rally Trials on Saturday, April 7, and Sunday, April 8, at a new location for us—the Merrill City Smith Multi Center (more commonly referred to as the MARC), 1100 Marc Drive, Merrill, Wisconsin. Show hours for both days are approximately 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend; there is no admission fee, but parking is $5. Strollers are not allowed.

Over 100 different breeds that are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) will be showcased over the weekend, with approximately 400 dogs entered each day. The dogs and their owners or handlers come from all over the country to compete in the weekend events, which include Conformation, Junior Showmanship, Obedience, and Rally Obedience. There will also be a four to six-month beginner puppy competition on Saturday.

We will be holding a Pee Wee Class Special Attraction on Sunday, around our lunch hour. Children 5-9 years of age can show their dog in a ring with their parent/guardian/responsible adult.
Conformation events are the signature events of the AKC. They concentrate on the distinctive features of purebred dogs and help to preserve these characteristics. Traditional Obedience events consist of formal exercises in which accuracy and precision are essential, but the natural movement of the handler and the willingness and enjoyment of the dog are still very important. Rally, in which signs direct dog and handler through an obedience course, offers an experience that is fun and energizing. Rally was designed with the traditional pet owner in mind and as a foundation for more advanced training.

A raffle will be held on Saturday, open to exhibitors, spectators, and the public; raffle items include dog crates, dog beds and a variety of baskets (some for the dogs and some for the people). A portion of the proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Patriot K9 Partners of Wisconsin—their mission is to train both veterans and a shelter dog together, creating the highest quality service dog at no cost to qualified, disabled veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Military Sexual Incident (MSI).

Spectators will enjoy watching the dog show in our beautiful venue—the MARC. Not only is the show a fun activity for families, but it is the perfect place to talk to breed experts about topics such as training, grooming, and the right breed for your lifestyle. An AKC dog show is also a great place to start your search for a responsible breeder.

For additional information about the dog show, visit the Paper Cities Kennel Club website at http://www.papercitieskc.org or call 715-842-1098 or 920-327-9641.