Pet Fanciers Will Be Putting on the Dog in Costa Mesa

Sunday, the Shoreline Dog Fanciers Assn. of Orange County will present its first All Breed Dog Show, and it promises to be a whopper. More than 1,500 dogs will be groomed to a fare-thee-well and put through their paces by proud owners.

The day’s activities will include judging in 123 breeds, with the winners of these categories going on to compete for best of show. There will also be obedience judging.

The intricacies of judging may be beyond most children, but all dog lovers will enjoy meandering around the fairgrounds and seeing such pampered pups. Kids usually love the bloodhounds, shaved poodles, bulldogs. Dog shows are better than pet shops for studying the different breeds for possible purchase, since you have the opportunity to see adult dogs, not just cute puppies. Owners and breeders in attendance are usually quite willing to talk about their breeds and, as you walk and talk, you’ll notice partialities toward specific breeds that are not unlike high school rivalries. People begin conversations with, “What’s your breed?”

The fairgrounds are located at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. Enter at Gate 5 off Arlington Drive. Parking is free. The doors open at 8 a.m. with activities scheduled until 6 p.m. There’s more to see in the morning, since many owners pack up after they show their dogs. Food concessions, selling hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches and beverages, will be available inside the Commerce and Orange County buildings. Admission is $2.50; children under 6, free. If you plan to watch the judging for an extended period, association members advise bringing lawn chairs. Call (714) 544-9372 for more information.