Mispillion Kennel Club holds 48th annual AKC show

There were 1,067 dogs of 140 different breeds or varieties competing at the Mispillion Kennel Club’s 48th annual American Kennel Club show Nov. 11  at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center.

Classes in Conformation, Obedience and Rally Obedience narrowed the competitors down to the final Best In Show and Obedience High in Trial winners. Junior Showmanship showed off the handling skills of young people ages 9 to 18. Thirteen American Kennel Club-approved judges from seven states and Canada adjudicated in their various areas of expertise.

The Best in Show Award was presented, in honor of Veterans Day, by Mispillion Kennel Club member Joseph Campbell, a U.S. armed forces veteran, who awarded the Best In Show engraved platter to Irish Setter Grand Champion Northwind’s First Reign, owned by Rebecca and Jeff Arch, and Don and Nancy Keane of Fredonia, N.Y.

High In Trial Obedience winner was CH OTCH Saratoga’s Sofia, a Toy Poodle, owned by Abigail Cooper of Salisbury, Md.

Best Junior Handler was Jessica Rotondo, Forest Hill, Md., with her English Springer Spaniel, Kismet Twilight.

The Mispillion Kennel Club, founded in Milford almost 50 years ago, is a member club of the American Kennel Club, the oldest and largest dog registry in the United States. It holds a championship point show annually in November, as well as other events and classes for dogs and their owners throughout the year, and monthly membership meetings. Community service includes visits to schools and libraries, the Delaware State Fair, local festivals and day-care centers.

For information on the club and its activities, go to www.mispillionkc.org or call 302-856-2199.