Heather Cory

Megan Maloney, 17, commands her Australian Shepherd, Royal, to stay while participating in the Cascade ASA competition at the Australian Shepherd Club of American National Specialty Dog Show at South Point Hotel and Casino on Nov. 7.

By Becky Bosshart (contact)

Fri, Nov 14, 2008 (midnight)

Average Americans go to great lengths for a big blue ribbon for their canine and a decorative leash wall hook. Call it doggie drama.

Megan Maloney, a 17-year-old Henderson teen, wrung her hands after her prance before the judge with Royal, a 20-month-old red tri-colored Australian Shepherd. Royal, with all the hormones of a 14-year-old boy, would be eliminated. But that's how it goes in the dog show world. It's a world that few understand. Where dog handlers glitter up to run around a ring of hard-packed dirt.

"They all think I dress my dog up in costumes," Megan said about friends' misconception of her hobby. "I just laugh, or a I agree with them if it isn't worth it. Or I correct them and say it's based on structure and style."

Stoic judges are evaluating dog structure and the handler's style this week at the Australian Shepherd Club of America National Specialty Dog Show at the South Point Arena. These perfectly pampered pups and their frazzled handlers pose and prance for the "confirmation," or bone-structure judging.

There are also contests in herding, obedience and agility. A competition favorite, the dogs smoke through a course that includes high bars, tunnels and hoops, said nationals Director Becci Maloney, who is also a Henderson breeder and judge. Her daughter, Megan, is showing the family dogs.

Dog shows are popular because anyone can enjoy watching them without understanding all the particulars. Just look at the popularity of Westminster, Maloney said.

"Americans are really into their pets," she said. "And even more so as people are delaying having their families. They're fulfilling parental needs with dogs."

Also a spectator favorite is the puppy competitions. Wiggling balls of fur tug and bite their leashes as judges try to get a clear look at their gait.

Ronnie Bates, of Carrollton, Ga. got teary eyed then jumped for joy when his 2-month-old puppy, Shawn Johnson, won big: best female puppy of breed. All three of his puppies lived up to their Olympic champion names. Michael Phelps won first place in his class. Nastia took second in her's.

"They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...except these," he said, motioning to his two first-place puppies. "We're going to be bragging up the wazoo about this."

Shawn stopped to go to the bathroom during her walk, but then she walked straight at the end. The audience wowed. No matter how much they practice, it all comes down to one person.

"It's the judge's opinion and that's what keeps us coming back," said Glenda Stephenson, of Palm Bay, Fla. She has a champion, Rugby, who will be shown in best of breed. Stephenson is suited up for the event, and the specks of glitter in her hair sparkled under the lights.

"This show is the place they strive to get to," the nationals director said.

Becky Bosshart can be reached at 990-7748 or becky.bosshart@hbcpub.com.