Hosted by the Five Valley Kennel Club, the AKC-sanctioned “B” match attracted nearly 70 competitors from throughout western Montana, as well as nearby states.
“It's organized chaos,” quipped Roberta Zielinski of Stevensville, laden with baskets for the winners filled with dog treats, dog dishes and wildlife-inspired squeak toys.
It's like training wheels for show season, said Maxine Lane, who chairs the club's recognized show, set for June 22-24 at the fairgrounds.
The match's classes were broken into seven dog groups: sporting, nonsporting, hounds, terriers, herding, toys and working dogs.
“Each breed originally was bred for a specific job,” said Lassila, except for the toys who “are just to give pleasure and warm your hands and make you laugh.”
The categories were then divided by breed, age and gender. Lassila said the dogs were evaluated on their confirmation, movement and alertness in the ring. Ribbons are awarded to fourth place.
The cost of the sport has soared, and some of the puppies would fetch prices of $1,500 to $2,000, she said.
There are also junior and adult handler classes, where the person showing the dog is judged as they prep for the official season.
A match is informal, but at recognized shows, most handlers wear skirts or slacks, jackets, and non-skid shoes. At a match, most people are there for fun and typically leave with a ribbon or two, she said.
Sixty-eight entrants - ranging in age from 9 to 76 - waited their turns as their dogs cavorted or snoozed at the ring's edge.
“It's good to get them used to the hubbub and all that,” said Suzann Stickney, as her three Pembroke Welsh corgis watched her every move. “They're just starting their show careers. It's good to get them out with other dogs with the noise and confusion. It's just good practice.”
Chris Morozumi, 14, of Victor said he survived his debut in the junior handling class with one of his family's five Labradors, Koda.
“It was horrible because I kind of got bored in the ring and stopped paying attention,” he said.
Moments later, he put down his novel and gamely returned to the ring for a different class, showing Koda's paces for the judge.
“It was funner than last time,” he said.
He joked with his mother, Nanette, who said she “bribed” her son into accompanying her to the match with the promise of an Xbox 360.
“I'm totally tickled that he volunteered to come,” she said. “I really like to have company.”
The heated, indoor Fine Arts Building had enough room for the judges, spectators, Five Valley Kennel Club merchandise tables and competitors, while keeping the dogs away from the mud.
Depending on the breed, some people had elaborate preparations for their dogs with brushes and sprays, curling irons and ribbons. Others had a simpler grooming regime.
The 53-year-old club has held matches before, but then took a break. Lassila, who teaches a handler's class in the winter, resumed the match to give her students a place to practice their skills. She said most everyone goes home with a ribbon.
Taja Wilde, 19, of Frenchtown waited with her 4-month-old Rhodesian ridgeback puppy, Greta, who wriggled and bounced as she sniffed all the scents.
“This is to get her ready for shows when she's older. She's doing really good,” said Wilde, who has done 4-H competitions for six years. “You see lots of dogs you don't usually see every day. It's still fun and it doesn't get old.”
Reporter Pamela J. Podger may be reached at 523-5241
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