The 'Red Dogs' Are Coming to Dover

The Vizslas are coming, the Vizslas are coming ... to Dover and to Harrington and to Queenstown, Md., later this week and all next week.

About 600 Vizslas, sometimes called Hungarian or Magyar Pointers, are expected for the Vizsla National Dog Events on Oct 18-28. Most of the competitions will take place at the Sheraton Hotel in Dover.

The "red dogs" of Hungarian extraction excel at hunting, tracking, agility and obedience. Gene Thornton, who tipped us to the event and whose Mattapex Brandywine (dog at left with Renaissance Heavenly Maid) will compete, says the dogs are full of energy and loads of fun, and their short coat and friendly demeanor make them a great family pet.

Thorton said about 100 each will compete in Agility, Hunting, Obedience and the AKC’s newest sport, Rally. The remainder will strut their stuff in the breed ring to vie for Best in Specialty Show. The schedule:

* Agility will take place early this Wednesday morning at the Quillen Arena on the Delaware State Fair Grounds in Harrington.
* Obedience and Rally and Sweepstakes will take place at the Sheraton Hotel beginning early Thursday morning.
* Breed judging will also take place at the Sheraton. Dogs in various age groups will be shown throughout the day Friday through Sunday.
* Field Trials (bird hunting) will be conducted on Wye Island, Queenstown, Md., from Oct 23-28.

The public is invited to watch the events. Admission is free. Vendors will be on hand. Event organizers asks that you do bring pet dogs to this show; it is limited to pre-registered Vizslas.