 LEXINGTON, KY (August 26, 2010) Each year the Bluegrass Classic Dog Show attracts thousands of canines to the Kentucky Horse Park for five days of competition with some of the best dogs in the country. Next week, 6,000 dogs representing more than 100 breeds will compete. The Bluegrass Classic Dog Show, Sept 2-6, is one of the largest outdoor dog shows East of the Mississippi. This year the show, sponsored by Purina, will also include the Black Russian Terrier National Specialty Show. This will be the first time this national specialty show has been held in Kentucky. The Black Russian Terrier has an interesting history, having been developed by a military kennel in Moscow in the 1930s, as a native breed that would be part of a national security force. The dogs were initially used by military police at border crossings, prisons, and military installations. They were introduced in the U.S. in the 1980s. More than 80 of the best representatives of the breed, which look similar to a Giant Schnauzer, will be competing at the park. The Bluegrass Classic Dog Show will also host 35 vendors, including the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop, selling dog merchandise and food. Several breeds that have just recently been recognized by the American Kennel Club will compete for the first time, including the Cane Corso, Leonberger, Red Bone and Blue Tick Coon Hounds. Visitors will have the opportunity learn about the dogs from their breeders. Many breeds have rescue organizations that can help prospective owners adopt the dog of their choice. The show begins at 9am on Thursday and Friday, and at 8am Saturday-Monday, and is expected to end in late afternoon. Admission is only $5 per car, in the Kentucky Horse Park Campground. For more information contact the Lexington Kennel Club, www.lexingtonkennelclub.com.
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