More than 100 purebred dogs are at the Toe Blake Memorial Arena in Coniston this weekend. The Sudbury & District Kennel Club is hosting its annual fall conformation show. CTV News met with some of the exhibitors from northern Ontario on Friday. The Guimond family from Serpent River, they breed and raise and show Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs. “They were used to hunt lions in South Africa years ago. They are far from that. They are a member of the hound group. They are a great family pet. They are good with children. They are very laid back in the home,” said Ellen Guimond. “They are very active when your family is active out hiking.” Guimond’s 12-year-old daughter Paisley has been showing dogs since she was five years old. She told CTV News she has a special affection for this breed. “I am showing Rhodesian Ridgebacks,” Paisley said. “They are really chill dogs inside and they are really hyper outside and it’s really fun to play with them.” There is also an Irish Wolfhound entry from Elliot Lake, which the Canadian Kennel Club says is the world’s tallest breed of dogs. “I love this breed. I love their size, their temperament,” said Allyson O’Sullivan, another exhibitor at the show. “They are great family pets and the wiry coat.” There was also a Standard Poodle entry from Sudbury getting ready for the show ring Friday. “This is Finnegan. He is not only in show, but he also does dog’s sports as well,” said his exhibitor Cynthia Zilio. “He is just very smart and very loving and great to live with.” Zilio said Finnegan is her first show dog. “I am learning. It’s just great to come to the shows and see all the different dogs and all the wonderful handlers and all the wonderful people that have been able to help me out on my journey,” she said. The show continues through Saturday and Sunday. Organizers said exhibitors are more than happy to answer questions about purebred dogs and explain how the show works.
