WATERLOO - In February, Cheryl Hennings and her dog, Jewel, traveled to New York to compete in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

There, the canine was named "Best of Opposite Sex" for Canaan dogs, a herding species native to the Middle East.

On Saturday, the duo was in the ring again - this time as participants in the Waterloo Kennel Club Dog Show. The gathering may not have all the pizzazz of "America's Dog Show," but the Denver woman said she wouldn't think of missing the local two-day event.

"This show lets us do a lot of good things," said Hennings, a member of the Waterloo Kennel Club. "We use the money to offer obedience classes and other things throughout the year."

Plus, she added with a grin, "I like to compete."

Roughly 630 dogs from across the Midwest posed and pranced for judges Saturday at Estel Hall on the National Cattle Congress Grounds in Waterloo. The animals were judged on their conformation to breed and in obedience and rally trials. Competition continues today from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

"The dogs love it," handler Rhonda Epley said after completing a judging round with Story, a 19-month old boxer.

As if in agreement, the brown and white dog, stood on her hind legs and gave the Shell Rock woman a friendly push with her front paws. The breeder laughed.

"They love to perform," she said. "They like the opportunity to show off what they've learned."

And whether you're at Westminster or Waterloo, the keys to a successful showing remain the same. Dogs at both competitions are judged based on American Kennel Club rules and regulations.

Sometimes the stress of it all is enough to throw a puppy off her game.

Nine-month old Chardon calmed her nerves before showtime Saturday by munching on a toy mouse while her handler, Dr. Charles Kitchell, groomed her neck. This weekend was the beagle's first outing as a showdog.

"She walks with a lead around her neck - kind of - and she looks pretty good, so we thought we'd try her out," said Kitchell's wife Donna. "We really have no idea how she'll do."

At little after 8:30 a.m. the Davenport couple got their answer.

The pup paraded Kitchell around the pen while judges checked to see how well she represented her breed. After a few redirections, Chardon completed the course.

And although the little dog didn't take first in her class, her handlers seemed pleased.

"Good girl," cooed Kitchell, as they exited the ring. "Good girl."

Contact Mary Stegmeir

at (319) 291-1482

or mary.stegmeir@wcfcourier.com.