The pack is back: Kennel club dog show returning to Lodi this week

May 30—Hundreds of dogs will converge on the Lodi Grape Festival grounds this weekend, and each one will have its day.

The San Joaquin Kennel Club will host its annual dog show Thursday to Sunday, featuring some 1,300 canines of all shapes, sizes and breeds, from all across the country.

Now in its fourth year in Lodi, show chair Virginia Latham Smith said there will be a few new features and competitions that both contestants and spectators will enjoy.

One of those added competitions this year is the Fast CAT, which stands for Coursing Ability Test and is a 100-yard dash where dogs chase a lure.

If a dog is fast enough, it can earn a racing title and be part of the American Kennel Club's list of top 20 fastest by breed.

According to the AKC, the fastest dog in 2024 is a Whippet from Arlington, Wash., named Revenant, who ran 35.56 miles an hour.

Also new to this year's Lodi event is a competition involving the California Professional Groomers Association, which will showcase contestants' abilities to make a dog look its best for show.

In addition, Rep. Josh Harder, D-Tracy, will be on-hand Sunday afternoon to help present trophies to the winners in all categories and competitions, Smith said.

As in previous years, dogs will be performing in conformation, obedience and rally, the latter of which is an exercise that develops and improves teamwork between an owner and their dog. The pair navigate a sign-filled course side-by-side in which the dog performs different tasks including sit, down and stay, among other commands.

Conformation is the judging of an animal, measuring how closely they conform to their breed standards.

A "Best in Show" award will be presented each day of the four-day event, and dogs will earn points toward a national ranking system as well.

Saturday will feature a puppy competition where little 4-to-6-year-olds show test their mettle in obedience and rally as well. Show attendees might also get to see animals that participated in this year's Westminster Dog Show, although Smith said she was not sure exactly which ones will be present.

The show is an open invitation event to dogs and handlers, and many times, Smith said it is unknown who will participate until the first day of the show.

As always, club docents will take attendees on tours of the show twice a day, explaining the different categories and competitions, as well as discuss pedigrees and dog characteristics.

An educational table will be in the main hall, providing guests with information about the club and what it does, as well as dog training materials.

Food trucks and vendors will be on site when guests and owners get hungry, and a variety of dog-related vendors will also have merchandise for furry friends.

"Dogs are always popular," Smith said. "We haven't really seen an increase in entries or participants, but we're working on it. People just like to come to the show and meet the different animals."

The show is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, and admission is free. Parking is $10.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SanJoaquinKC.