Christ Yoder
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Craig Howell DOG SHOW – A group of Spinones and their owners line up outside the Holiday Inn in Weirton on Friday morning for the final day of competitions for the Spinone Club of America’s national specialty.
WEIRTON – A large group of Italian hunting dogs and their owners have made Weirton their home in recent days, all as part of the annual competition of a nationally recognized organization.
The Spinone Club of America was in town Tuesday through Friday, setting up a competition ring and more at the Holiday Inn-Weirton as part of the group’s national specialty. Founded in 1987, the SCOA is the parent club of the American Kennel Club for the Spinone Italiano breed.
“It’s an annual event”, Barb Spence, exhibition chair for the event.
Spence said this year’s national specialty included 294 entries from 27 states. The event included a test hunt, held Sunday and Monday in Tuppers Plains, Ohio, with other competitions including obedience, rally, toss and conformation show, Tuesday through Friday in Weirton.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Spinone Italiano is a densely-haired hunting dog of ancient Italian origin, originally among the hunting dogs of continental Europe. The breed is considered a “versatile hunter” and “builds more for endurance than speed.” The breed is classified in the sport group by the AKC.
Among the activities in Weirton, the SCOA hosted a Top 20 gala on Wednesday, an auction on Thursday and its awards show on Friday.
Spence also expressed his gratitude to the staff at the Holiday Inn for their accommodation in both planning and hosting the event in Weirton.
“I can’t even begin to tell you how cordial they were” she said. “The grounds have been perfect. “
Brad Degenkolb, Sales Manager at the Holiday Inn, thanked the group for deciding to host their event in Weirton.
“It was a pleasure to work with them,” he said, also thanking the hotel staff.
(Howell can be reached at [email protected], and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)
