The top dogs’ lives at the Phladelphia Dog Show

If it’s late November, that means it’s time for the Philadelphia Dog Show, which takes place at the Greater Reading Expo Center. Each year, this event attracts attendees by the thousands, as well as 150 different dog breeds.

For those who are new to these animal lover competitions, the show offers a free guided tour that gives an inside look at how these beautiful dogs get ready to compete, as well as the rules of the competition and the key characteristics judges are watching for. The first competition involves the various breed categories, where dogs are judged according to accepted standards for their particular breed. Next, come the Group and Best in Show judging, where breed winners face off against each other. This time, however the dogs are analyzed for seven broader breed categories, which are: Sporting, Hound, Terrier, Non-Sporting, and Herding. The winners in these seven classifications then compete for Best in Show, which is the grand event broadcast every Thanksgiving Day at noon EST.

There’s more to attend than just competitions at this annual event, however. There are demonstrations, where dogs show off their intelligence and athleticism. Furthermore, if you’re wondering where the star dog handlers of tomorrow will come from, be sure and look in on the junior showmanship events. Maybe you just want to see the dogs close-up. Such human-meets-pooch opportunities are available in the backstage benching area. And if all these spectator opportunities aren’t enough to fill your time, multiple vendors are represented, and there are also educational sessions scheduled where you can “Meet the Breeds”. So, if you’ve always wanted to learn a little more about, say, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, this is your chance. For those who want to see the best in man’s best friends, the Philadelphia Dog Show is the place to be.