Beauty of bullies: Capital City Exotic Dog Showcase is Saturday
After putting on exotic dog shows across the country, Montgomery resident Marcus “Road Runner” Hopkins of Designer Dog Kennel thought it was time to bring one home.
That’s why he’s partnering with Clyde Harris of Head Strung Kennels for the Capitol City Exotic Dog Showcase on Saturday at the Union Station Train Shed, 210 Water St.
“The show is for exotic breeds, which consists of English bulldogs and the bullies, which come in standard, pocket, micro, and French bulldogs,” Hopkins said.
The gate opens at 11 a.m. and the show starts at noon. General admission for adults is $25, and kids are admitted free.
Hopkins said all dog breeds are welcome at the show, with a $10 admission fee per dog. The only dogs that can’t come are ones that are aggressive or female dogs in heat.
“We can’t have them among a bunch of dogs,” he said.
A variety of vendors will be on site, including food vendors.
Tickets are available online at eventbrite.com
Hopkins said proceeds from the event go to Sickle Cell Foundation. He said he hopes to make this an annual event in Montgomery.
“The dog community is very, very passionate about these dogs,” he said. “These dogs are not considered pets. They’re family members. Some of these dogs are living better than me and you.”
Earlier this year, the American Kennel Club announced that the French bulldog is the most popular dog breed in the United States, beating out the Labrador retriever. Hopkins said there are a lot of French bulldogs in Montgomery, and that owners need of a place to showcase them locally.
Hopkins said they’re expecting at least 500 visitors Saturday, including ones from Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and beyond.
“I just got off the phone with somebody from Arkansas,” Hopkins said. “Dogs are coming from the whole South region to here.”
Among the dogs on site Saturday will be one named “Payroll,” a husky Frenchie that belongs to NBA champion Kendrick Perkins, Hopkins said.
“We have a lot of dogs with a big name that’ll be here,” he said.
That includes “Rich Chocolate,” who has so many litters that Hopkins said people are coming from all over to try to win the “Best Rich Chocolate” class.
He said there will be several kennels with booths showcasing their dogs.
“We have different dog classes that will compete for trophies,” Hopkins said.
There’s also a “stack off,” which is when the dogs stand at attention while judges critique them.
“It’s just like if you were in a body building contest, and you go out and showcase your muscles,” Hopkins said.
Along with all the grownups showcasing their dogs, Hopkins said they have a junior handler class for kids.
“My dog shows are kind of different from the ones everybody else usually do,” Hopkins said.
About the dogs
The different bulldog breeds have their own unique personalities, Hopkins said.
“The English bulldog, they are so lazy,” he said. “They’re couch potatoes.”
He said French bulldogs are smaller, more active, and are best in homes with people who will be active with them.
“They’re only meant for families that are hands-on with dogs,” Hopkins said.
One thing the varieties have in common is a calm temperament, Hopkins said.
“I have a bully. She’s three years old and my daughter is 10 months. She sits here and lays down with my daughter. She plays with my daughter.”
If you’re looking to buy one of these exotic fur babies, they’re not cheap.
“Some of these dogs are sold anywhere between $25,000 to $100,000,” Hopkins said. “There was a guy who someone from China tried to buy his dog for $250,000. He told him, 'no thank you.'”
Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Beauty of bullies: Capital City Exotic Dog Showcase is Saturday
