By Kristin Holtz, Staff Writer

Lynda Otten laughs when she recalls her high school career counselor’s advice after announcing her career goal to show dogs.

“You’ll never make a living,” the counselor told her.

Fifty years after first stepping into the show ring, Otten, 60, continues to parade her beloved dogs at shows around the United States.

Schnauzers, cocker spaniels, terriers, greyhounds, poodles — some of the top dogs in the country will be in Shakopee this weekend at the 75th annual Minneapolis Kennel Club dog show at Canterbury Park. Nearly 1,200 dogs of all sizes and shapes will compete for the Best of Show title.

While there are several varieties of showing — such as obedience or agility — the Minneapolis Kennel Club’s show is about conformation.

Conformation is intended to evaluate breeding stock. Judges assess dogs based on which best fits the ideal appearance and structure, or “official standard,” of the breed. It also includes temperament and movement.

“You’re raising them not only for temperament and conformation, but you want that dog to have character plus confidence and be a good companion dog, too,” Otten of Shakopee said.

SHOW DAY

The Minneapolis Kennel Club is one of the oldest kennel clubs in Minnesota.

Founded in 1933, the club offers classes, educational seminars and obedience trials. Its mission is to further the advancement of purebred dogs, advance the interests of dog shows and obedience trials and encourage sportsmanship. One of its biggest events of the year is the dog show at Canterbury Park.

Show Chairman Ralph Hogancamp of Woodbury said show day can bring in dogs and handlers from around the country. Dog owners arrive early with crates of grooming supplies to get their pooches in top condition.Minneapolis Kennel Club show

“Even though they’d been groomed the night before, they have to be fluffed and puffed before the competition,” Otten said.

Dog shows are a process of elimination. Show dogs must be at least 6 months old and AKC registered. There are seven classes – puppy dog, 12- to 18-months, amateur-owner-handler, bred by exhibitor, American bred, novice and open.

Each dog has two minutes with a judge, who watches the animal gait, checks its bite, feels the bone structure and observes overall personality.

In each class, the judge ranks the dogs from first to fourth. The firsts return to the ring where the judge selects Best of Winners.

The Best of Winners — males and females from each of the seven classes — advance to the next level of competition. A judge examines the animals again to choose a Best of Breed.

The Best of Breeds compete against others in seven groups: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting and herding.

The top dog from each group advances to the Best of Show competition where only one is chosen as the top dog.

While it’s the competition that most dog handlers love, dog shows are not typically rowdy events, said Hogancamp, who raises and shows Bedlington terriers.

“It’s polite. We’re a pretty cordial group,” he said.

In addition to the show, spectators at this weekend’s competition can also browse vendor booths and learn more about particular breeds. A “Meet the Breeds” event will give people considering a family pet an opportunity to discuss a particular breed’s traits with owners and breeders.

“This is specifically for [people] to get up there and really see what the dogs are about and talk to people about various breeds,” Hogancamp said.

The show will also honor two longtime club members — John Sheehan and Ruth Foster.

Read more about Otten's career breeding and showing dogs in Thursday's Shakopee Valley News.

Kristin Holtz can be reached at (952) 345-6678 or kholtz@swpub.com.