Popular dog show returns to Hilo this weekend

After a three-year hiatus, the Orchid Island Dog Fancier Club will return to Hilo this weekend for a dog show featuring about 100 canines.

The dog show, which is certified by the American Kennel Club for all dog breeds, was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the last show on the Big Island in 2019.

The competition is the only dog show held on a neighbor island, so participants are happy to see the show back in action.

“This is very exciting, because many people in Hawaii have to ship their dogs to allow them to compete in a dog show, which is costly,” said Lei Taft, president of the Orchid Island Dog Fancier Club. “It’s nice that there is an opportunity for people to compete in a local dog show if they can’t normally go to Oahu.”

About 100 dogs from approximately 33 different breeds will be competing for “Best In Show” during four shows over the weekend.

While most participants are from around the state, there will be a few competitors from the mainland. The judges will be traveling from Arizona, Argentina, Australia and California to judge the dogs and bestow the honors.

“The first time going to a show may be boring because it’s hard to tell what’s going on,” Taft said. “Every breed has a breed standard, and judges are judging by each of those standards. There is no perfect dog, and the outcome can be based on subjective opinion.”

Dogs participating in shows require consistent diet, exercise and care to be able to win a show, according to Taft.

The dog show will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m Sunday at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium. The show is free to anyone interested in attending.