BOSTON, Massachusetts – One of the country’s largest AKC dog shows is back at the Bayside for four days of tail-wagging fun

The Bay Colony Cluster Dog Show will be held from Thursday, December 6 through Sunday, December 9 at the Bayside Exposition Center in Boston.

Sponsored by Pedigree brand dog foods, The Bay Colony Cluster Dog Show is a series of four shows, with an average of 3,000 pedigreed pooches competing each day for “Top Dog” honors within their respective groups and breeds.

Over 32,000 people are expected to attend this four-day event to see over 147 breeds of dogs; among them will be such favorites as cocker spaniels, pugs, and golden retrievers as well as newly recognized American Kennel Club (AKC) breeds such as the Neopolitan Mastiff, Anatolian Shepherd, and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

Dogs from all over the country will compete daily in conformation classes, a process of elimination that ultimately awards only one dog the “Best In Show” trophy. Different dog clubs from within the Bay Colony Cluster will present each day, so each day’s show offers a unique mix of competition, special events, public service booths and holiday shopping.

Dogs will also compete in AKC Obedience Trials on Thursday and Friday, which score a dog’s ability to perform exercises such as retrieving, jumping and scent discrimination.

The public is invited to learn more about this fun activity. On all four days of the show, spectators can watch dogs of all shapes and sizes participate in agility trials run by the Yankee Golden Retriever Club. Agility trials are timed competitive events where dogs race their way through a series of obstacles.

There will also be demonstrations by obedience dogs, assistance dogs, and search and rescue dogs who find people on land and under the water using their advanced sense of smell.

Greyhound Friends will present a “rescue parade” on Saturday and Sunday celebrating breed rescue organizations and spotlighting pooches of all breeds who have received a new leash on life.

Crazy about your cocker spaniel, but can’t find a coaster to match that lovable face? Dog lovers will be in holiday shopping heaven, with more than 90 concession booths displaying every type of dog-related merchandise imaginable, including hand-knitted sweaters, specialty t-shirts and tiny hats, grooming supplies, unique doggie gourmet treats, handmade dog toys, pet safety products, dog beds and even fine jewelry and artwork.

If you are looking for information about a particular breed before making the big leap to dog ownership, approximately 20 public service booths will provide information about breeder referrals, dog-related volunteer opportunities and careers, and purebred and breed rescue adoption programs.

Educational exhibits will include volunteers from the MSPCA, Mass. Federation of Dog Clubs & Responsible Dog Owners/Purebred Dog Breeders Referral Service, Northeast Animal Shelter and the Animal Rescue League of Boston; 4H; Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine; Search Dogs Northeast; N.E.A.D.S. (assistance dogs), Canine Companions for Independence, Pets & People (pet therapy/visitation), Trained Loving Companion Assistance Dogs, and many breed rescue clubs from throughout New England.

The Bay Colony Dog Spectacular will run from 8 am to 5 pm Thursday, December 6 through Sunday, December 9, at the Bayside Exposition Center (exit 15 off the Southeast Expressway, Route 93 south). Admission is $10 for adults and seniors and $5 for children. Parking is $10 and tickets are available at the door.

For more information and ring schedules, call the Bay Colony Cluster Dog Show event line at 617-556-7747. Sorry, the public is not permitted to bring their dogs to the dog show. The Bayside Expo is handicapped accessible.