Inside the Indy Winter Classic Dog Show
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indy Winter Classic AKC Dog Show is underway at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, featuring around 2,000 dogs and hundreds of vendors.
The show features 160 different pure-bred dogs working to win the title of “Best in Show” for their breed. Many of the dogs competing in Indianapolis will compete in the Westminster Dog Show in New York City that begins Monday, according to Kevin Allen, show chair for the Hoosier Kennel Club.
Contestants come in from across the United States. Allen says Indy’s show is one of the biggest in the Midwest and also serves as an educational opportunity for people looking to add a new pet to their family. Allen recommends families visit during the lunch hours if they’re interested in learning more about specific breeds.
“We’re very open, friendly people,” said Allen. “All these people have dogs. You can come to our show and come around in the grooming area, ask the handlers if you can pet their dogs. We’re very out-front.”
Judy Ellis is a breeder and handler at the 2019 show and brought her Xoloitzcuintli, a hairless dog originating from Mexico, to WISH-TV studios ahead of the show. Xoloitzcuintli dogs, or Xolo for short, require lotion and coconut oil treatments instead of standard shampoo and brush grooming.
“There’s a dog for everyone,” Ellis said. “We are a sport that’s trying to get new people and young people involved.”
The Indy Winter Classic has catered activities for kids this year, including a make-believe dog show with stuffed animals Saturday afternoon for 4 to 6-year-olds. Junior handlers, age 8 to 10, will also be showing dogs as part of the competition.
Vendors also fill parts of the exhibit hall, featuring doggy products of all kinds and services including dog massage therapists and animal communicators.
The show is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. The overall Best in Show will be awarded at the end of the day Sunday.
All events are held inside the West Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Admission is free Thursday. Adult tickets are $7 Friday through Sunday. Tickets for children under age 12 are free.