Robin Rombach, Post-Gazette Lacy, a 9-year-old golden retriever, snuggles with her owner, Roberta Hockenberry, of Chester, W. Va., during the agility competition at the Western Pennsylvania Kennel Association dog show at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown, yesterday.

By Linda Wilson Fuoco
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Old Iron Margaret River is making a habit of winning dog shows.

The Australian-born Airedale terrier, the reigning 2005 Airedale champion, won "Best in Show" honors yesterday and Saturday at two dog shows held by the Western Pennsylvania Kennel Association Inc.

For her efforts, "Margaret," as she is called, won two large Waterford crystal vases; two red, white and blue rosettes; and $100 each day for being the top dog in the show. Margaret is owned by Stephanie Ingram, Frances Lindner and Terrydale Kennels of Nashville, Tenn., and her professional handler is Ernesto Lara.

Margaret, 3, is currently the No. 1 Airedale in the United States, and she finished last year in the No. 1 spot, meaning she was the Airedale that had the most wins at dog shows sanctioned by the American Kennel Club.

Robin Rombach, Post-Gazette Richie, an English cocker spaniel, reaches unsuccessfully for crackers being eaten by Robin Novack of Jackson, Mich., as he waits to be groomed yesterday. Click photo for larger image.

This was the 67th year for the Western Pennsylvania Kennel Association show, said club President Nance W. Shields of Canonsburg. The show, now held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown, has grown over the years from about 200 entries to more than 2,000.

In addition to conformation competition -- the purebred canine "beauty pageant" won by the big black and tan terrier -- there also were obedience competition and junior showmanship, in which children and teenagers are judged on their ability to handle dogs in the show ring.

The Golden Triangle Obedience Training Club hosted two days of crowd-pleasing agility competition. Dogs of all breeds jumped hurdles, ran through tunnels and traversed a narrow catwalk high above the ground.

Show dogs often attend shows with entourages that include friends and family of the owners as well as, in some cases, professional groomers and handlers. Each day of the show there also were more than 4,500 spectators who generally have no direct connection to the dogs.

If the action in the multiple dog show rings was not enough to keep spectators and dog show exhibitors entertained, there were 65 booths and kiosks with vendors selling items for dogs and dog lovers.

Toys and treats were sold at a number of them, including one operated by volunteers of Pet Search, a cat and dog rescue organization in Washington, Pa.

	Robin Rombach, Post-Gazette Charm, a 2-year-old sheltie, flies over the hurdles in the agility contest at the dog show. Charm's owner Carol DeMoss, of Glenshaw, ran her through the course. Click photo for larger image.

Pillows, purses and blankets featuring virtually every breed of dog were hot sellers at Georgia's Stuff. That booth was manned by Georgia and Bill Harris of Guthrie, Okla., and their West Highland terrier, Cash, who are on the road at dog shows most weekends throughout the year.

Many of the vendors have local ties, including Sue Wolfe of Butler, whose Sew Unleashed booth advertised "unique gifts for special pets and their people." Items included car magnets featuring various dog breeds drawn by artist/photographer Cindy Noland of Beaver Falls and hand-sewn dog coats made by Ms. Wolfe's mother, Judie Geortz, of the North Hills.

One of the most popular vendors was selling items not generally found at dog shows. Business was brisk at Fudgie Wudgie Junior, which featured 25 flavors of fudge including Belgian chocolate, strawberry cheesecake, cookies and cream and butter pecan.

This was the second year that the Fudgie Wudgie crew came to the dog show, said Jeremy R. Gabriel of Cheswick.

The popularity of the booth was enhanced by word-of-mouth reports that Mr. Gabriel and his co-workers were providing a constant and generous supply of free samples. By mid Sunday afternoon dog show spectators and exhibitors had bought 2,000 pounds of fudge, Mr. Gabriel said.