Denver has gone to the dogs.
Judges will scrutinize more than 3,000 hounds in the Rocky Mountain Cluster dog show underway at the National Western Complex.
The show, which kicked off Thursday and runs through Monday, is the largest in Colorado and one of the biggest west of the Mississippi, said Rene Green, a public information officer for the event.
“People come from all around,” she said.
The show features 184 different breeds.
“This is one of my favorite shows,” said Geoff Heskett, a Parker resident.
Heskett and Cash, a 5-year-old Pembroke Welsh corgi, have already won their Best of Breed competition and will compete for a group title later in the show.
“The quality of corgis here is some of the best in the country,” Heskett said. “Everyone wants to win.”
The show offers a variety of events, including breed judging, obedience trials and agility contests.
Dogs who perform well have a shot at going to the famous Westminster Dog Show in New York.
Fletch, a 5-year-old German shepherd, has been to Westminster twice, but this weekend is his victory lap.
“We’re trying to make this his retirement show,” said Fletch’s owner, Jan Cressman. “He’s had a fabulous career. He’s a wonderful ambassador for his breed.”
Some dogs struggled to acclimate to the large venue.
Denver resident Susan Mullally said Shelby, her 2½-year-old cocker spaniel, was distracted during her performance.
“This is not a happy place for her,” Mullally said. “It’s too noisy and scary.”
Younger handlers also got to put their pups on display in the Junior Showmanship Competition.
Amaya Rivera, an 11-year old from Douglas, Wyo., said she has enjoyed competing in Denver because she gets to meet people from all over the country.
“It’s really fun,” Amaya said. “My friends wish they could do dog shows.”
