Poodles are associated with France, where there were 16.06 million international tourists in 2015. However, poodles are bringing visitors to the state of Maryland as well, with thousands of visitors flocking to see the 84th Annual Poodle Club of America National Specialty Dog Show.
Sailsbury, MD, is gearing up for one of their biggest tourism events of the year, where hundreds of poodles, poodle owners, and their fans come to compete and strut their stuff. That event takes place this weekend from April 22 to April 24.
Traveling from all over the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia, over 600 poodles are expected to be in attendance.
This event generates a $1.5 million dollar economic impact and creates a hotel room demand of 2,500 over the course of the show.
Poodles of all shapes and sizes, included toy, miniature, and standard compete in a series of tests in outdoor tracking, hunting, agility and show. No poodle is left behind.
The poodles and their handlers are coming to stay for about a week, with different competitions each day. Each different activity is split up by size group, and even include a “Parade of Rescue Dogs.”
All events happen inside the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center, and admission is free of charge for spectators and is open to the public.
An official for the show commented, “During the show, the area is transformed, with sod laid down on to give dogs and their handlers the best footing.”
As far as competition goes, the judges have very specific breed standards to look for in each competitor. They are looking for a square dog with good reach and drive, beautiful head expression, and a lovely, springy walk around the ring.
