Show Unleashes Canine Charisma

The elite of local dogdom gathered at Valley College in Van Nuys on Sunday for the Burbank Kennel Club’s All-Breed Dog Show and Obedience Trial, considered one of the most prestigious of West Coast dog shows.

Approximately 1,200 dogs--130 breeds in all--competed for a wide variety of ribbons.

The top award for best in show was given to a Doberman pinscher, Champion Toledobes Serenghetti, shown by Andy Linton of Phelan in San Bernardino County. This dog was recognized for being closest to the ideal in terms of proportion, musculature and movement.

Many of the other ribbon events were far less serious.

One of the most popular competitions was the agility course, which featured dogs jumping through hoops, flying over hurdles and trotting over teeter-totters. Spectator Judy Jaydos said she especially likes this event because it allows the individual personalities of the dogs to come through.

“Just like movie stars have a certain charisma, dogs do too, and the agility track is amazing,” said Jaydos.

Another crowd-pleaser was the fly-ball relay race, during which a team of hounds of every size and shape leaped over hurdles while carrying tennis balls in their mouths.

“This was the perfect opportunity to bring my two girls and see what kind of dogs are right for kids,” said Doug Murphy. “But I never expected such a show.”

Entertainment was a major theme of the show, making it seem far less stuffy than many animal-judging events. Since the club is in Burbank, it usually leans toward movie themes, and this year’s show was no exception.

Celebrity look-alikes impersonating Mae West, W. C. Fields and Humphrey Bogart strolled among the Great Danes and poodles, posing for photographs with canines and their owners.

Animal trainer Kim Lindemoen, who has worked in the motion picture industry for 25 years, was on hand to offer participants training pointers. She also helped plan a pirate ship finale, complete with a bulldog in pirate getup.

“This is a lot of work,” Lindemoen said, “but I love it.”