The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-10-11

Photographs of the animals shown in this article were made by Bert J. Covell and H. c. Baird)
 The Birmingham Kennel club gave its first bench show at the Fair grounds three days-Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The judge finished his la- bors Wednesday noon.
 The exhibition although in an out-the- way part of the grounds attracted the at- tention of great numbers who came espe- cially to see this the only distinctly new feature of the Fair Owing to the fact that the building assigned to the Kennel club by the Fair management was blown down in recent windstorm tents were provided by the Fair. Also a silver cup premium was offered by the Fair. i At an expense of several hundred dol lars the Birmingham Kennel club ar ranged most creditable first exhibition Of dogs held in Alabama for many years. Many persons who never before had had an opportunity to see a bench show, it's arrangements, its show ring, and Judging dogs were highly gratified at the affair The benches and special booths held l22 entries for competition and several prize winning dogs with numberless ribbons) tIhat were not exhibited in competition. Rut to add to the success of the show.
 The Judging
 Mr. A. F. Hochwalt of Davton O kennel editor of the Sportsman's Review, Cincinnati, was the judge. He gave the greatest attention to detail and showed every consideration to owners and exhibi tors particularly where dogs showed they were unschooled in the show ring or on The. bench. Speaking of this he said
 nave the very greatest respect for the owner Of good dog, who, taking pride In him, himself shows his dog without any of the knowledge or tricks or the professional trainer and exhi- pltor. noted in this exhibition the absence of jealousy or smart practice. Although many of the dogs were in differently shown made full allow ance for that, and gave time, aiding the owners to overcome such defaults as Tar as possible. I was particularly struck with the promptness of the ex-l hibftors in answering to the call of the several class exhibits, something you rarely see at dog show. Up east. where the professional exhibitor has the details reduced to fine art in showing dogs, there is much to con- tend with ana many things to keen q sharp lookout for. Not so here. for every dog was shown for what he really Is and took his chances in a fair field and no favor. I wish to speak of the very high class of dogs shown here. In some classes there are dogs that could hold their own in any ring in the world; in fact. some have already proven that. Yes, the Birming- ham Kennel club can be proud of their first dog show"
 A Barking Concert
 Monday at 10 a. m. the well ar ranged benches with 120 sections, sev- eral special booths. together with many large dogs tethered about, opened up a barking concert that of itself was interesting and amusing at times. Like chimes the music would start ner- vous collie with a high staccato opened and then the others joined in. The bulldogs in the show ring tent, the bloodhounds with deep tones, the Boston terriers, the pointers, beagles and spaniels would all swell the chorus
 The collie class was the fullest with over 30 entries in all classes and many beau- tiful dogs were shown. It is probable that these classes attracted mote atten- ton from the general public than any other. And we'll they may have, for many of the dogs shown were fit to go in any show and win, too. There were three great prize winners on exhibition only;