It’s Brains Before Beauty at Family Dog Fair in R.P.V.

Pampered poodles, primped Pomeranians and other fancy purebreds are usually the stars of dog shows.

But while canine aristocrats won’t be turned away Sunday, the South Bay Family Dog Fair in Rancho Palos Verdes will be a celebration of the back yard mutt.

“These are the dogs that don’t go to shows, and people don’t always know their capabilities,” said Holly Starr, assistant director at Ladera Linda Community Center, where the show will take place from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. The big field at the 10-acre center--at 32201 Forrestal Drive--will be given over to the event.

With the help of dog experts, owners will be able to find out just what their pets can do in trick contests and in obstacle courses that call for them to get around barriers and perform on a dog teeter-totter. There will also be competition in areas such as the shortest ears and the longest tail.

Special demonstrations will focus on obedience training, the speed of greyhounds and the skills of dogs that guide the blind. These will include puppies that 4H Club members are raising in a Guide Dog Puppy Raising program. Representatives of a variety of humane and animal rescue organizations--the SPCA and Actors and Others for Animals among them--will be on hand to offer information.

Starr said: “Dogs are a part of the family, and there aren’t many activities geared for that member of the family. This is one of the few where you can take them.”

While virtually everything else at the fair will be about dogs, Kayla Mull of Norco will be about the business of showing her miniature pigs, which Mull said have slowly been gaining acceptance as household pets since they were first imported in 1985.

“They come when they’re called, sit and wait for a treat and enjoy being petted,” said Mull, who will bring three of her pet pigs with her Sunday.

Admission is $1 per person at the gate; children under 5 are free. All dogs must be accompanied by someone on two legs.