The annual Big Spring Kennel Club Dog Show returns to Dorothy Garrett Coliseum May 3 and 4 and organizers are expecting more than 500 dogs from across the United States to enter the competition.

Shows begin at 8 a.m. both days. Admission is free.

Treasa Wells of the BSKC said more than 560 dogs are entered in both days of competition.

The dogs will compete in one of seven groups — Sporting, Non-Sporting, Herding, Working, Toy, Terrier and Hound — with the winners from those groups then vying for Best in Show honors.

Wells said the American Kennel Club-sanctioned event continues to grow in popularity each year.

“Every year, we get new exhibitors come in ... and they say how much they love the show,” Wells said. “Then, they come back the next year.”

The reason for that popularity is simple, she added.

“It’s the dogs,” she said. “I love seeing that many dogs in one place ... and I enjoy being with a bunch of people who have the same goals and love of dogs that I do.”

The dog show is not just for the competitors, however. Wells said visitors are welcome to closely observe the action. The local club will also sell a catalog for $5 that will answer many questions about the particular breeds in the competition, she added.

Also, four classes of obedience competition will be held in the coliseum’s East Room. That event also is open to the public, Wells said.

Another attraction will be a drill team comprised of 4-H students from Weatherford and their dogs who will perform about 30 minutes after the Saturday best in show competition.

For more information, contact Wells at 517-0259.

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331, ext. 234 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it