STELLARTON, N.S. — There’s something special about golden retrievers.
“What I love is their personality, the temperament. It’s a wonderful, wonderful family dog,” says Frank MacArthur who is president of the Pictou County Kennel Club, president of the Maritime Golden Retriever Club and Atlantic director for the National Golden Retriever Club.
Sept. 5 through Sept. 8, The Pictou County Kennel Club hosted the Golden Retriever National and the Maritime Golden Retriever Regional at the Sobeys Indoor Sports Complex in Stellarton, along with a Pictou County all breed dog show.
MacArthur said they had dog owners from all across Canada as well as parts of the U.S. that took part in the event. This is the first time the national event was held in Stellarton and there were approximately 240 dogs that took part throughout the weekend.
MacArthur said it was a great opportunity for the general public to get to talk to purebred dog breeders and owners.
“I think the important thing is they get to see what purebred dogs are all about and they get to see different breeders,” he said. “What we try to encourage is the public come out, look at the dogs, talk to the breeders so that they’re much more informed when they’re buying a puppy.”
Cindy MacPherson of Hopewell was taking part in the all breed dog show and was busy Friday brushing a Bouvier des Flandres dog named Greyson.
She said it’s always exciting to take part in these type of events.
“It’s fun. You get to spend time with your dog.”
Lori Lancaster competed in the Golden Retriever National events with her dog Knot. They travelled all the way from Alberta to take part. She has been taking part in these type of competitions for about 35 years now and said she enjoys the way you are able to form a deeper relationship with a dog by spending hours training and competing.
She also enjoys the social aspect.
“You’re always meeting new people and friends and getting acquainted with friends from all over,” she said.