Calling all mutts.
While the Westminster dog show may be a distant memory, it’s time to turn your attention away from the pure-breeds to the mixed breeds, as on March 13 and 14, the Brooklyn Lyceum in Park Slope hosts the first ever Brooklyn Mutt Show.
“At the Lyceum, we are all animal lovers, and wanted to give Brooklyn its own Mutt Show finally,” said Deb Klein of the Lyceum, who personally has a chow/shar pei mix named Harpo she adopted 13 years ago. “The vibe will not be like that of the ‘big’ shows; the focus is on having fun first and foremost, and being able to show your dog off and to meet others doing the same.”
To that end, categories are a far cry from the elitist “Best in Show”; rather, dogs will be competing for “Sloppiest Kisser,” “Best Lap Dog Over 70 Pounds,” “Best Beard,” and– this one involves you – “Looks Most Like Owner.”
“We took a look at a host of different mutt shows in this country and beyond,” said Mutt Show director Regan Jaye Fishman. “What stood out to us most was how the dogs were judged, primarily, on the things that make individual animal…well, an individual. On the things you fall in love with.”
Like the “big” shows, though, this one will have judges. Among them will be cartoonist and toy designer Ami Bogin, who will be judging the “Best handmade doggie t-shirt contest,” as well as local personalities, veterinarians, leaders of local animal causes, and the Lyceum staff. Each class will have a first, second and third place winner.
Also winning that weekend will be BARC, a no-kill shelter in Williamsburg. In addition to shining a spotlight on Brookyln’s pets, the Mutt Show also looks to raise awareness for local adoption shelters and animal rescue, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Brooklyn organization.
“[Deb and I] both are owners of rescue animals,” said Regan, who has a rescued cat. “We know firsthand how much love, joy and true friendship an animal brings to your life. It’s my personal hope that the presently pet-less will take this as an opportunity to consider rescue over retail.”
The Brooklyn Mutt Show is March 13 and 14 from 11 am-7 pm at the Brooklyn Lyceum (227 Fourth Ave.). Admission is $5, with $5 to register a dog for the show. Each class is $10. Advance registration is recommended, and dog owners can enter as many classes as they want.
For more information, go to www.brooklynmuttshow.com.
