Michigan's Largest Dog Show Brings Fun for Entire Family

NOVI, Mich., Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Tail-wagging fun takes over at Michigan's largest dog show, The Michigan Winter Dog Classic, Jan. 20-23, at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi. The event is hosted by the Livonia Kennel Club and the Oakland County Kennel Club.

More than 6,000 dogs representing 167 breeds will compete at the four-day dog show which includes an all-new beginner Puppy Special Attraction on Saturday, Jan. 22 at 9 am. The new event encourages puppies 4 to 6 months to get in the ring early and is expected to be one of the highlights of the show with 80 puppies registered.

The Michigan Winter Dog Classic will also be packed with special events and attractions, including a chance to meet actor Jon Provost who played Timmy in the original Lassie Television series from 1957-1964. Jon will be available to meet and greet fans Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the show and will sell copies of his book Timmy's in the Well: The Jon Provost Story. Joining him will be Laddie, Jr., the 10th generation offspring of Lassie whose father was Lassie #9. Guests are encouraged to bring their cameras for photos.

Special attractions and other events include:

Rock n Roll K9 Performance Team

Fri:  11 am, 2 pm, 4:30 pm

Sat:  11 am, 2 pm, 4:30 pm

Sun:  11 am, 2 pm, 4:30 pm

Duck Herding with Border Collies

Fri:  12:30 pm, 3:30 pm

Sat:  1 pm, 4 pm

Sun:  1 pm, 4 pm

Weight Pull Demonstrations featuring Alaskan Malamutes

Sat: Noon, 3 pm

Sun: Noon, 3 pm

Police K-9 Demonstration by Macomb County Sheriff Department

Sat:  10:30 am, 1:30 pm

Sun:  10:30 am, 1:30 pm

Dog Scouts of America Demonstrations

Fri:  3 pm

In addition to the entertainment, the four-day event stresses education. Visitors may talk face-to- face with experts on any dog-related topic and learn how to buy a purebred dog from a reputable breeder. "Rescue Row" is an area of the show featuring rescue groups from all over Michigan representing more than a dozen breeds. Health clinics, obedience tips and a vendor marketplace are also part of the show.

The Michigan Winter Dog Classic hours are Thursday, Noon-6 pm and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. A judging schedule will be posted at www.themichiganwinterdogclassic.com and Best in Show awards are at approximately 5 p.m. daily.

Tickets are available at the door each day of the show. Individual tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and children ages 7-12. Those 6 and younger are free. A discounted family pack is $35 and includes admission for two adults and three kids. Group tickets are $4 per person for groups of 12 or more.

The Rock Financial Showplace is located at 46100 Grand River Ave., between Novi and Beck roads, in Novi. Parking is $5 per car per day.

For more information on The Michigan Winter Dog Classic, visit www.themichiganwinterdogclassic.com.

SOURCE Michigan Winter Dog Classic