What we saw at Colorado’s largest dog show

GREELEY, Colo. — The smell of dog urine intensified as the sun rose over Island Grove Event Center. 

Every August, thousands of dogs — and their owners — travel here for their chance to earn a ribbon at the Greeley Kennel Club’s all-breed dog show, now in its 75th year. 

They arrive in campervans and kennels, trailed by an entourage of groomers, breeders and handlers. 

At 10 a.m., Linda Marx, an owner, breeder and handler from Omaha, Nebraska, put the final touches on her dog’s coat. The dog,  Allie, is a two-year-old Afghan Hound whose locks drape like silk from a loom. 

The secret to its softness, Marz said, is TRESemmé, a shampoo for humans. 

Allie has big shoes to fill. 

“She comes from a background of best in show dogs,” said Marx. 

Her father was the number one owner-handled Afghan Hound in the county in 2020. 

After Greeley, Allie and Marx hit the road, heading to Topeka, Kansas for another show this week. 

The main flavor of competition at Greeley is called confirmation. 

“It’s the beauty-show part,” said breeder, competitor and now judge, Pam Lambie of Phoenix. 

Dogs and their handlers trot in circles. Judges examine teeth, tails and testicles to determine which dogs best meet the “breed standard,” a description of physical characteristics and behavioral traits considered ideal.

 “Every breed was developed with a purpose. If we just let dogs go out and breed, then we lose that purebred-ness,” said Christine Paul, who breeds and shows Shih Tzus.

In addition to confirmation, Greeley offers events like “fast cat,” in which dogs race for the fastest time on a 100 yard course and “agility,” in which dogs race through an obstacle course. 

But even as dog ownership in Colorado soars — Denverite estimates that there are now more dogs than children in the city — dog shows are declining.

“Dog shows used to be a big part of this country,” said Wayne Jordan, who breeds Cairn Terriers and Airedales. “Since COVID, there’s been a real shrinkage both in terms of facilities and number of entries.” 

Jordan blames the decline in participation on the cost of entering and traveling to competitions. 

To attend, contestants must pay an entry fee ($12 at this year’s show) and cover the cost of gas, hotels and meals on the road. Most dog shows don’t offer cash prizes, but winning can provide breeders with a stamp of approval that helps business. 

“Walking out with a ribbon, that’s the payback. To breed and have a litter where people say,

‘Oh that’s Wayne Jordan’s dog,’ that’s the rewarding part of it,” said Jordan.