After placing on unique canine exhibits throughout the nation, Montgomery resident Marcus “Road Runner” Hopkins of Designer Dog Kennel thought it was time to carry one home.
That’s why he’s partnering with Clyde Harris of Head Strung Kennels for the Capitol City Exotic Dog Showcase on Saturday on the Union Station Train Shed, 210 Water St.
“The show is for exotic breeds, which consists of English bulldogs and the bullies, which come in standard, pocket, micro, and French bulldogs,” Hopkins stated.
The gate opens at 11 a.m. and the present begins at midday. General admission for adults is $25, and children are admitted free.
Hopkins stated all canine breeds are welcome on the present, with a $10 admission price per canine. The solely dogs that may’t come are ones which are aggressive or feminine dogs in warmth.
“We can’t have them among a bunch of dogs,” he stated.
Quite a lot of distributors can be on website, together with meals distributors.
Tickets are available on-line at eventbrite.com
Hopkins stated proceeds from the occasion go to Sickle Cell Foundation. He stated he hopes to make this an annual occasion in Montgomery.
“The dog community is very, very passionate about these dogs,” he stated. “These dogs are not considered pets. They’re family members. Some of these dogs are living better than me and you.”
Earlier this 12 months, the American Kennel Club introduced that the French bulldog is the most well-liked canine breed within the United States, beating out the Labrador retriever. Hopkins stated there are lots of French bulldogs in Montgomery, and that house owners want of a place to showcase them domestically.
Hopkins stated they’re anticipating not less than 500 guests Saturday, together with ones from Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and past.
“I just got off the phone with somebody from Arkansas,” Hopkins stated. “Dogs are coming from the whole South region to here.”
Among the dogs on website Saturday can be one named “Payroll,” a husky Frenchie that belongs to NBA champion Kendrick Perkins, Hopkins stated.
“We have a lot of dogs with a big name that’ll be here,” he stated.
That contains “Rich Chocolate,” who has so many litters that Hopkins stated individuals are coming from throughout to attempt to win the “Best Rich Chocolate” class.
He stated there can be a number of kennels with cubicles showcasing their dogs.
“We have different dog classes that will compete for trophies,” Hopkins stated.
There’s additionally a “stack off,” which is when the dogs stand at consideration whereas judges critique them.
“It’s just like if you were in a body building contest, and you go out and showcase your muscles,” Hopkins stated.
Along with all of the grownups showcasing their dogs, Hopkins stated they’ve a junior handler class for youths.
“My dog shows are kind of different from the ones everybody else usually do,” Hopkins stated.
About the dogs
The completely different bulldog breeds have their very own distinctive personalities, Hopkins stated.
“The English bulldog, they are so lazy,” he stated. “They’re couch potatoes.”
He stated French bulldogs are smaller, extra lively, and are finest in properties with individuals who can be lively with them.
“They’re only meant for families that are hands-on with dogs,” Hopkins stated.
One factor the varieties have in widespread is a relaxed temperament, Hopkins stated.
“I have a bully. She’s three years old and my daughter is 10 months. She sits here and lays down with my daughter. She plays with my daughter.”
If you’re seeking to purchase one among these unique fur infants, they’re not low cost.
“Some of these dogs are sold anywhere between $25,000 to $100,000,” Hopkins stated. “There was a guy who someone from China tried to buy his dog for $250,000. He told him, ‘no thank you.’”
Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers issues to do within the River Region. Contact him at [email protected]
