4-17-2024 7:53pm

DOGS, DOGS, DOGS

Jeff Barto Editor

The Baltimore County Kennel Club Cherry Blossom Cluster is coming to Timonium.

Since its formation in 1935, the Baltimore County Kennel Club has hosted events, bringing the Country’s top ranked purebred dogs to Maryland.

Our inaugural show was held at the Pikesville Armory Polo Grounds: the dogs were benched indoors (on display) and the competition was held outside on the polo field. There were more than 1,000 dogs in competition with Chow Chows having the largest entry (108).

Best in Show on that Spring day went to a Bloodhound, a breed that had an entry of only one contestant. By the 1940’s and with the Armory being used for WW II military purposes, the shows were moved to the Horse Show Grounds of Pleasant Plains Farms, at Loch Raven Boulevard and Taylor Avenue.

The 1960’s brought a change of venue and the Maryland State Fairgrounds became our home. Early shows were held under the racetrack grandstands and then, following the construction of the Cow Palace, the show moved indoors.

Initially show rings and grooming spaces were placed among the cattle stanchions and since our date followed a large Cattle Show, the facility was always an olfactory challenge. In more recent years, the Cattle show was relocated, the stanchions removed and the facility now provides a spacious, attractive indoor setting ideal for the dog competitions.

This year the Club anticipates more than 4500 entries competing over three days of events that include conformation, obedience, rally, and dock diving. Special events for the 2024 weekend will include an Open Show, highlighting the newest purebreds seeking AKC recognition, a Meet the Breeds exhibition on Saturday, a junior handling clinic sponsored by the AKC registered handlers also on Saturday, and puppy competitions on Saturday and Sunday for dogs 4-6 months of age. In between watching the dogs, an assortment of vendors will be on site offering their wares. There is truly something for everyone.

Come join us April 19-21, 2024 for these three days of Canine Capers. No matter where your interests lie, the Baltimore County Kennel Club and the Cherry Blossom Cluster of events will satisfy.

For more information follow the Facebook page for the Cherry Blossom Cluster or for the Baltimore County Kennel Club.

More detailed information about this and other shows is available here: www.infodog.com.