The Lagniappe Classic all-breed dog show will be held beginning Thursday, August 1st thru Sunday, August 4th at the Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd. in Kenner with judging beginning at 8:30 AM each morning. The show is co-hosted by both the Louisiana Kennel Club of New Orleans and the Metairie Kennel Club and will feature approximately 1,000 entries each day, representing most of the 193 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Admission is free and the public is welcome. In lieu of an admission charge, the Pontchartrain Center will be accepting pet food donations for area animal shelters during all four days of the event. Donations can be made in the lobby. The clubs will also welcome the AKC’s newest member, the Azawakh, which will compete in the Hound group.
The show will be held under the rules of the American Kennel Club and superintended by Onofrio Dog Shows of Oklahoma City. There will also be the National Owner-Handled Series competition on both Thursday and Sunday, and a “Best Lagniappe Puppy” competition on Saturday following Best in Show.
Once again this year, the clubs will host a Juniors Summer clinic on Wednesday, July 31st from 3 until 5 PM at the show site. There is a $15 fee to attend the clinic and is open to youngsters ages 9 to 18 who are interested in learning how to show their dogs. Topics will include an Introduction to Dog Shows, Pet Medicine, and a Question and Answer session for juniors and parents. For additional information on the Juniors Clinic, please e-mail Lorraine Bisso with the Louisiana Kennel Club at regel@bellsouth.net.
Both clubs will offer Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing on Saturday and Sunday in the lobby. Cost to certify your dog is $15 and they must be registered with AKC. Information will be available at the show and appointments are required.
The Louisiana Kennel Club will celebrate its 103rd Anniversary at this year’s show and the Metairie Kennel Club its 43rd Anniversary, as well as the 11th year the show has been held at the Pontchartrain Center.
According to statistics furnished by the AKC, A four-day dog show with 1,000 entries can bring an average of $700,000 to the local economy, averaging $685 per participant. This includes expenses such as hotels, restaurants, fuel, etc. The American Kennel Club sanctions more than 22,000 events nationwide every year (including over 200 in Louisiana), which include conformation shows, agility/obedience trials, and more.
Due to space limitations at the Pontchartrain Center, only dogs registered for the show or CGC Evaluations will be allowed inside the building, and no strollers or wagons will be permitted.
