Newsroom

CANBY - Not every dog can be a pedigree pooch. But, if your dog is "so ugly it's cute," it may have a blue ribbon in its future at the first annual Dog Fun Match, to be held Saturday, May 21, at the Clackamas County fairgrounds in Canby.

The event, open to all Oregon State University Extension 4-H members, is a fund-raiser for the Clackamas County dog fair scheduled for July 15-16.

Dog Fun Matches will range from beauty competitions, such as best smile and longest tail, to talent contests featuring dogs who dance, to a best bark competition. Even the "wimpiest appearance" will leave the show a winner. Competitions will be divided into dogs over and under 40 pounds.

"The name of the game is fun, whether you come to compete or just watch," said Lynette Black, a 4-H Youth Program Assistant with Clackamas County Extension. The idea for the Fun Match came from a member of Diggity Dogs, one of the six 4-H dog clubs active in Clackamas County since 1994.

The dog day afternoon will also feature an obstacle and rally course for the canine creatures to enjoy. In addition, both guide dogs and police dogs will be in attendance, as well as educational tables to learn dog breeds. Canine good citizen testing will also be available.

The event is from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. The entry fee is $5 for the first dog, $2 additional for each dog after that. A leash and kennel are required.

More information can be found at http://www.oregonstate.edu/extension/clackamas or by calling the OSU Extension office in Clackamas County at 503-655-8631.