Canine competition kicks off in Anchorage

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Dogs were on display at the Dena’ina Center this Saturday for the first day of the Alaska Kennel Club’s Dog show.

Taking place over the course of the whole weekend, the event showcased dogs from around the state. Saturday’s competition began with the dogs being judged by breed. The Best in Show will be picked on Sunday.

“I always feel that I learned something new every time I go to a show,” said Rhees Bartlett, who is showing her fox terrier Digo. “I ask people, I pick brains and so that’s fun too, just learning something new. But also seeing those folks that that you love, and of course the dogs that you love as well.”

According to Bartlett, the Alaska Kennel Club community is understandably smaller than most states, making for tight-knit connections.

“Obviously it’s the love of the breed,” Bartlett said. “I love fox terriers. They own my heart and soul, but also too, it’s the friendships and the connections. When I started this over 20 years ago, I had no idea, that some of these folks that are here, they’re my friends, but also, I consider them to be family and that means a lot.”

Ultimately, Bartlett and many others see dog shows as not just a friendly competition, but a means of monitoring and preserving breeds.

“They’re important because they set the standard for the breed,” Bartlett said. “So, we’re always striving to improve and better the breed, and I think that these standards, they hold breeders and also owners accountable.”

See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com

Copyright 2025 KTUU. All rights reserved.