Right before the howl-idays, over 1,000 canines are competing for top dog at the Coyote Classic Dog Show Nov. 14-18 at the Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Rd. 

Coyote Classic Chair Jen DeVol said the competition gives top dogs a shot at solidifying their rankings in their breed or over all breeds. Some dogs are competing to qualify for the historic Westminster Kennel Club show in New York next May; the competition has been ongoing for nearly 150 years. 

“There are shows for which you need to already have a championship or need to rank in the top 20 in your breed to participate,” DeVol said. 

The competitors and their owners are traveling from California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and Colorado to compete.   

During the conformity competitions, each dog is judged on how well it conforms to the breed standard. Visit the American Kennel Club website to see where your dog fits. 

But most of the Coyote Classic’s audience will be more excited to see who wins the audience favorite Dock Diving and Fast CAT competitions.

Imagine dogs running on a dock, jumping into a pool, catching toys and swimming. That is Dock Diving. 

In Fast CAT, contestant dogs chase a bunny for a timed 100-yard dash. It might remind you of your dog chasing and terrorizing a neighborhood cat. 

“Dock Diving and Fast CAT really tend to attract spectators to our shows just because they are very active and fun to watch,” DeVol said. 

Purina Pro Plan is continuing its partnership with Coyote Classic to give winning dogs an immediate reward–bags of food. Their humans can fend for themselves among the food vendors set up on the fairgrounds.

Admission and parking are free, and the show runs from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. For more information, visit http://www.coyoteclassic.org.

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.