KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Hundreds of dogs and their owners gathered inside the Kalamazoo County Expo Center on Saturday for the West Michigan Apple Blossom Dog Show.
Featuring approximately 1,500 dogs, each day is a different show. Saturday and Sunday consisted of competitive obedience trials.
While the show is enjoyable for the hobbyists that participate, one organizer told News Channel 3 the value of the shows goes beyond the thrill of competition.
“It is accessible to anybody, and it makes a greater and better connection with you and your dog over the life of your dog and your relationship with them,” said Paul Hardaker, rally and obedience chairperson for the West Michigan Spring Apple Blossom Cluster Dog Show.
The show featured novice classes for those wishing to break into the hobby.
Other competitions and activities at the shows included dock diving, retrieving, and fast CAT, which stands for Coursing Ability Test, and is a timed 100-yard dash where dogs run one at a time, chasing a lure through a course.
These shows are affiliated with the American Kennel Club. Another major show, the West Michigan Harvest Cluster Dog Show, is scheduled for Nov. 8, 2025.
More information on the Kalamazoo Kennel Club can be found on their website.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
