The 2012 North Branch Cluster Dog Shows

Local dog lovers have an exciting weekend ahead with the four-day North Branch Cluster Dog Shows starting tomorrow and continuing through Sunday - the first day devoted to specialties followed by three days of major dog shows - all held at nearby North Branch Park at 355 Milltown Road in Bridgewater, NJ.

The weekend starts on Thursday, September 6th with Sporting, Hound and Non-Sporting group shows including the Big Apple Sporting society, the Central New Jersey Hound Association, and the Non-Sporting Group Club of the Garden State.

On Friday, September 7th, Tuxedo Park Kennel Club kicks off the first of the three all-breed shows with the judging of the 1,320 dogs entered starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending with Variety Group and Best in Show at 2:30 p.m.

The cluster’s cornerstone club has been Somerset Hills Kennel Club (SHKC) and this year will mark their 78th all-breed dog show. Their show will run from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm on Saturday, September 8th. Lisa Warren, last year’s show chair for SHKC said, “This is a very special weekend for those in the dog fancy. A special attraction to this year’s cluster will be The American Kennel Club’s new Beginner Puppy Competition. Puppies from 4–6 months will compete for the title of Best Beginner Puppy in Show. It’s sure to be one of the most enjoyable events for spectators.”

The weekend winds up with Westchester Kennel Club on Sunday,September 9th, with judging starting at 8 a.m. The Variety Group winners and Best in Show judging starts at 2:15 p.m.

This year’s cluster will host another special event. Cupcakes from the famous Carlos Bakery in Hoboken, NJ will be on sale at the Saturday (Somerset Hills Kennel Club) and Sunday (Westchester Kennel Club) shows. Proceeds will benefit “Take The Lead” an organization that provides direct services, support and care for people in the sport of purebred dogs who suffer the devastation of life-threatening or terminal illness. On Saturday afternoon, Mauro Castano, head baker for Carlos Bakery will make a personal appearance in support of this effort. Mauro will be available to sign autographs and pose for photos. T-shirts commemorating the event will also be on sale.

There is no charge for admission or parking to the shows. Attendees can purchase food and a wide range of dog product vendors will be on-site. With all AKC breeds represented, it will be a great event for dog lovers and prospective puppy buyers will have an opportunity to see different breeds up close and speak with knowledgeable owners and breeders.