The Bluegrass Classic Dog Show, Sept 2-6, is one of the largest outdoor dog shows East of the Mississippi.

This year the show, sponsored by Purina, will also include the Black Russian Terrier National Specialty Dog Show. This will be the first time this national specialty show has been held in Kentucky.  The Black Russian Terrier has an interesting history, having been developed by a military kennel in Moscow in the 1930s, as a native breed that would be part of a national security force. The dogs were initially used by the military police at border crossings, prisons, and military installations.  They were introduced in the U.S. in the 1980s. More than 80 of the best representatives of the breed, which look similar to a Giant Schnauzer, will be competing at the park.

The Bluegrass Classic Dog Show also includes 35 vendors selling dog merchandise and food.

Several breeds that have just recently been recognized by the American Kennel Club will compete for the first time including Cane Corsos, Leonbergers, Red Bone and Blue Tick Coon Hounds.

The show begins at 9am on Thursday and Friday, and at 8am Saturday-Monday, and is expected to end in late afternoon.  Admission is only $5 per car, in the Kentucky Horse Park Campground.

For more information contact the Lexington Kennel Club, www.lexingtonkennelclub.com.