By O’Dell Isaac

Colorado loves dogs.

With its vast array of outdoor recreational choices and hundreds of accommodations for canines and their two-legged companions, the Centennial State is regularly listed among the most dog-friendly states in the U.S.

“Colorado has always been a great place for dogs,” said Lissa Shaw, vice president of the Colorado Springs Kennel Club. “There’s lots to do with your dog: There’s hiking, climbing, trails. It’s a very dog-friendly state.”

That explains, at least in part, the popularity of the Colorado Springs Kennel Club Show, running this weekend at the Norris-Penrose Event Center. The American Kennel Club-sanctioned event typically draws 700-1,000 entries, Shaw said.

The four-day event kicks off Thursday with a specialty show exhibiting 144 sporting dogs (retrievers, setters, pointers and spaniels), officials said. Dogs will participate in rally trials, where they and their handlers navigate a multi-station course, and obedience trials, where the dog is given a series of precise commands.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be largely dedicated to all-breed confirmation events, known to some as the “beauty pageant,” according to Shaw. Dogs are judged on physical appearance and movement according to specific standards.

Prizes are available at this weekend’s show, but no cash prizes, which Shaw says is typical of most competitive events across the U.S.

“There are very few dog shows that pay out cash winnings,” she said. “Many of our competitors enter the show to (boost) their national rankings, but some do it just for the love of the sport.”

To most dog lovers, a dog is considered a four-footed family member. That’s what makes dog shows a family-oriented event, Shaw said.

“It allows you the opportunity to strengthen the bond with your dog,” she said.

The weekend’s festivities will also include junior showmanship events for handlers ages 9-18, a “pee-wee” exhibition for children ages 5 and younger, beginners’ competitions for puppies 4-6 months old and a “plushies” event for toddlers, Shaw said.

“’Plushies’ are for kids who are 3 or 4 years of age,” she said. “If they can walk and pull around a little stuffed animal, they can play junior handler.”

The event is free of charge for attendees, who are encouraged to talk with the exhibitors and professional handlers.

“But be aware that if they’re getting ready to go into the ring, that’s probably not the best time to try to pet a dog,” Shaw cautioned.

The Colorado Springs Kennel Club Show is one of several American Kennel Club-sanctioned events that take place in Colorado each year, including the Arapahoe and Evergreen kennel club shows, both of which take place in September.