Gold Coast Cluster Dog Shows feature purebred dogs at Planting Fields

Marla Kapozzi of Manorville with her 5-year-old Afghan hound, Zachery... — Marla Kapozzi of Manorville with her 5-year-old Afghan hound, Zachery Alexander, at the home of the Ladies Kennel Club president, Evelyn Rechler of Mill Neck. Credit: Linda Rosier

By David J. Criblezdavid.criblez@newsday.com DavidJCriblezMay 17, 2016

Labradors, golden retrievers, Dachshunds, beagles, border collies, poodles and hundreds of other purebred dogs will invade Oyster Bay’s Planting Fields Arboretum for Gold Coast Cluster — four days of dog shows, Thursday through Sunday May 19-22, sponsored by the Westbury Kennel Association (Thursday), Ladies Kennel Association of America (Friday and Saturday) and Long Island Kennel Club (Sunday).

“We draw approximately 600 to 800 dogs per day,” says Pat Cruz, secretary of the Ladies Kennel Association of America. “Eight judges from across the U.S. will rate each dog in the ring against their breed standard.”

IF YOU GO

More than 180 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club are divided into seven canine groups: hound, working, toy, sporting, terrier, herding and non-sporting. Spectators can watch as each dog competes in conformation (how well it holds up to breed standards), obedience (obeying commands) and rally (going through a timed obstacle course). The event is rain or shine.

BRING YOUR DOG

Visitors are also welcome to bring noncompeting dogs to the shows and let them participate in some of the day’s activities.

Test their skills at the “My Dog Can Do That” obstacle course, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It’s filled with weaving poles, tunnels and jumps all designed for non-show dogs. Then, head to a dock diving area, where dogs can leap into a pool and take a swim as their jump is measured for length (fees vary).

“It gives people a taste of what agility is all about,” says Cruz. “The dogs love it because they are natural athletes.”

Some of the top breeds

Here are some canines, owned by members of the Ladies Kennel Association of America, whose breeds will appear in this week’s shows:

RUSSELL TERRIER

NAME Kelsey

SEX Female

AGE 17 months

WEIGHT 12 lbs.

GROUP Terrier

Evelyn Rechler of Mill Neck received Kelsey as a Christmas gift from her friends. The white-bodied, tan-faced dog’s parents are champions, therefore she started showing at eight months, capturing the ranking of Winner’s Bitch.

True to her breed, she’s friendly and energetic.

“Kelsey’s a natural in the ring,” says Rechler, 56. “She loves everybody and thinks everybody loves her.”

AFGHAN HOUND

NAME Zachary Alexander

SEX Male

AGE 4 years old

WEIGHT 60 lbs.

GROUP Sighthound

Zachary is a grand champion who lives on a 2-acre property in Manorville with four other Afghans. He’s known as the affectionate one.

This blue brindle domino-colored dog moves like a Muppet with his long flowing rock star hair and goatee. Also signature to his breed is his happy, fun-loving nature.

“He’s almost like the actor Nathan Lane,” says Marla Capozzi, 51, of Manorville, “always emotional and upbeat.”

SALUKI

NAME Gemini Julia

SEX Female

AGE 5 years old

WEIGHT 48 lbs.

GROUP Sighthound

Julia is a cream-colored Saluki, which is the oldest pedigree breed from the Middle East. Named after late celebrity chef Julia Child, she has a reputation for being very chill.

“She’s like a cat in a dog suit,” says Cathy Farrell, 60, of Westhampton, who breeds Saluki dogs. “Her breed can be very quiet and calm in the house, but they were bred to hunt game in the way a cheetah does. When they do that, it’s very animated and fun to watch.”

GERMAN SHEPHERD

NAME Badabing!

SEX Male

AGE 9 years old

WEIGHT 75 lbs.

GROUP Herding

Badabing! is a retired champion, but today he’s busy chasing rabbits, squirrels and geese in his 14-acre backyard in Mill Neck. His charactistics fall in line with his breed traits of being strong, courageous, smart and good workers.

“This is his domain,” Rechler says, looking out at her yard. “Once they even hear his collar, they take off.”