July 5, 2005 > Pooch Pow Wow and Canine Convention

by Linda Stone

It's a dog's life in Niles as preparations are under way for the 7th Annual Niles Dog Show featuring fun canine competitions and whimsical attire worn by both dogs and their human companions.

This is not the Westminster Dog Show, no pedigree is required. Instead, this is an event for all dogs of every heritage, offering your pooch a chance to show off his or her skills, talent and even good looks.

If you are a dog lover then you don't want to miss this one-of-a-kind event on Saturday, July 16 where you can see demonstrations of Herding and Search & Rescue as well as a visit from the [Frisbee] Disc Dogs of Northern California.

There will be several entertaining competitions in the categories of: Best Costume, Prettiest Female, Best Rescued Dog, Most Unusual Mix and Most Handsome Male, with special awards going to Best Veteran and Look-A-Like. Local elected officials will be on hand to present awards.

The event kicks off with Oso the Dancing Dog, a Boarder Collie then Herding demonstrations at 9 a.m., but keep in mind that, "all scheduled events are in doggie time and are therefore flexible."

Then it's on to the Best Costume competition where dogs and exhibitors can dress alike in themed costumes. Judges will look for imagination, uniqueness and flair.

In the Prettiest Female competition, judges look for grooming, appearance and all-around condition of the dog. This class will be split by weight, up to 45 pounds and 46 pounds and over. A ribbon is awarded in each class.

Companionship and loyalty is the theme for the Best Rescued competition where heartwarming tales are told about dogs who came into their owners' lives. Rescued from abuse or surviving accidents, these dogs and their stories are surprising, endearing and include previous shows' accounts of faithful dogs rescuing their owners. In this category the judges will look for a happy dog in reasonable condition given the length of time the dog and the exhibitor have been together.

Mutts will compete for the Most Unusual Mix competition. Judges will look for the cross-breed/mongrel that is singular and unique among its peers.

Most Handsome Male will be determined by your pet's grooming and appearance as well as all-around condition. This class will also be split by weight as in the Prettiest Female contest, up to 45 pounds and 46 pounds and above, with a ribbon going to the winners.

Special awards will be presented to the Best Veteran based on age listed on the entry form; the oldest dog wins.

If people can't tell you apart from your dog, then you are a shoe-in to win the award for the Look-A-Like competition. Competitors will be judged based on audience participation and judges' discretion.

Police Officer Robert Davila will bring Tuffy, the newest member of the K-9 patrol. Tuffy is a 3-year-old German Shepard who has been working with Fremont Police Department for the last year and specializes in trained obedience, obstacles, handler protection and bite work.

Aside from demonstrations, six to eight rescue groups will offer adoption services, so if you came without a best friend, you don't have to leave without one.

Food vendors and retail booths offering pet supplies, unique gifts and canine art will be available. A special doggie water park will be set up for your thirsty companion.

Show participants must register and pay an entry fee of $20 on the day of the show, which includes a goodie bag and entry in one class. Entries in additional classes are $5 each. Pre-registration is recommended, and pre-paid entries receive a $5 discount. Participants may register online at www.niles.org or call (510) 792-7387. Only the first 200 dogs will be admitted to the show. Dogs must be at least 6 months old with a current license and be on a leash at all times.

Proceeds benefit the Ohlone Humane Society, Niles Essanay Film Museum and the Niles Main Street Association.

This event will be sign language interpreted for the hearing impaired.

7th Annual Niles Dog Show
Saturday, July 16
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Niles Community Park at 3rd and H streets
Niles District, Fremont
(510) 792-7387

Show schedule
9:00 a.m. Registration, Dancing Dog, and Herding Demonstrations
(After show starts, register at the Main Street Booth)
10:00 a.m. - Best Costume
10:30 a.m. - Prettiest Female
11:30 a.m. - Best Rescued Dog
Noon - Fremont Police Department K-9 Demonstration
12:30 p.m. - Herding Demonstration
1:00 p.m. - Special Awards
1:15 p.m. - Most Unusual Mix (aka Ugliest Dog)
2:00 p.m. - Most Handsome Male
2:30 p.m. - Prize Drawing