The Yukon Kennel Club (YKC) will be holding its 40th annual Dog Show at the Mt. McIntyre Recreation Centre (lower floor), June 10-12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the YKC is also hosting the Afghan Club of Canada National Specialty on June 9.

This year, Afghan dogs from across Canada will be gathering in Whitehorse to participate in their annual competition.

The Afghan Specialty Show will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Mt. Mac. International judge Lotte Jorgenson will be flying in from Denmark to judge.

YKC president Sheila Robertson is excited about this year's combined shows.

"The Yukon Kennel Club is thrilled to be hosting our 40th consecutive dog show and are delighted to welcome Afghans and their owners from across the nation.

"About 125 dogs representing 54 breeds will be presenting in Whitehorse this year. Once again, we are expecting to have some of the top dogs from Canada and the U.S.A.”

Exhibitors and dogs from throughout Yukon, B.C., Alberta and Alaska, including dogs from Pennsylvania and Minnesota, will be in attendance.

Also participating will be several Yukon dogs that have been rated in the top dog standings in Canada.

The public is invited to watch dogs compete for Best of Breed, Best of Group, and Best in Show, as well as Obedience and Rally.

Please see the YKC website at www.yukonkennelclub.com for more details.

Why attend a dog show?

Dog shows are a unique opportunity for dog lovers to see a multitude of one of the planet's most diverse species all under one roof. It's also a chance to connect with experienced breed fanciers as impassioned about dogs as we are.

A common misperception among pet lovers is that show dogs aren't having fun. Their wagging tails and calm demeanors both in and out of the ring say differently.

Maybe your dog wouldn't enjoy it, but these dogs do, or they wouldn't be there!

Most breeders have had dogs which should have been an international champion but decided the ring was boring...dogs like that prefer to stay home and keep the couch warm! Unhappy dogs don't show well, so what would be the point?

There is so much more to a dog show than poofed-up pups trotting around a ring. Yet some of you might be saying, "I'll never show my dog; why should I go?”

Here are just a few reasons….

Understand your breed better

Even if the judging makes no sense to you, see how dogs in particular breeds should look and behave.

Approach exhibitors/breeders at the conclusion of judging with any questions specific to that breed. These are the experts. Most are eager to share information and love talking about their dogs.

Learn grooming techniques

Watching dogs being prepped for the ring can be a real eye opener. Why does that poodle have curlers in its hair and weird wraps on its ears?

Don't think for a second these dogs don't love all the primping.

Many don't even need to be hooked to the table arm and some actually doze off while being coiffed. Here you can learn the right tools and methods of maintaining various coat types.

Meet The Breeds

Get a hands-on look at various breeds and chat with breeders/exhibitors in a relaxed, controlled setting.

This can be particularly helpful to children who may have a fear of dogs or don't know the proper way to pet or behave around unfamiliar dogs.

Mostly, it helps families decide which breeds may be appropriate for their lifestyle and guides them to responsible breeders. A schedule of times for certain breeds of interest is available at the show desk.

See the brains behind the beauty

Have training issues with your dog? Obedience and rally competitions held over the whole weekend demonstrate what a true companion dog (including yours) can learn.

Exhibitors in these events are especially outgoing and fun to talk with, and their teamwork an inspiration to the most frustrated owners.

Shop a little

Vendors offering unique pet products often unavailable at typical retail stores are a real attraction.

From flashy leashes and grooming supplies to toys, yummy treats and gifts, there's something for every pet lover at this show.

As you can see, a dog show can be a fun, learning experience for dog lovers of all ages.

The Yukon Kennel Club encourages everyone to bring dog food or a toy for the donation box at the door ...we will pass it on to the Mae Bachur Animal Shelter.

Hope to see you there!

This item was submitted by the Yukon Kennel Club.