A German Shepherd named Abby jumps an obstacle while participating in an obedience trial in July 2022 at the Longview Kennel Club’s AKC Licensed All Breed Dog Show at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center. (Les Hassell/Longview News-Journal File Photo)

Longview is going to the dogs this weekend.

The Longview Kennel Club’s 67th AKC Licensed All Breed Dog Show is Friday and Sunday, with contests looking for the “best of” in different competitions — the dogs that are most representative of their breeds; also a junior showcase that’s about how a young handler shows a dog instead of judging the dog itself; obedience competitions led by the Tyler Obedience Training Club; and a dock diving Event.

“We are one of the bigger shows in Texas,” said Nancy Mellott, chairwoman of the dog show for the Longview Kennel Club.

“There will be people here from all over the United States and even other countries,” she said.

Dogs competing in different breed categories are hoping to earn points toward being able to enter the Westminster Kennel Club show. Mellott explained that the top five dogs in each breed as determined by points earned at various dog shows are automatically invited to compete at that show.

“The rest of the dogs just have to take a chance,” she said.

Almost 1,000 dogs will compete in the All Breed Dog show this weekend. Junior Showcases will be held each day. Other events include a puppy show.

“We don’t expect much from puppies,” Mellott said. “If you can get them to walk on a leash you’re doing good.”

People interested in learning how to show dogs can participate in a session with a handler at noon Friday.

The show is in the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, and the obedience trials are in the exhibit building. The Dock Diving competition will be outside in a mobile pool and dock between the exhibit building and the rodeo area.

Dock diving is a relatively new competition offered by North American Dividing Dogs. In its 10th year, Angela Stallone has been this area’s organizer for several years. People may let their dogs try it out for $10 this weekend.

Stallone said l50 dogs are expected to compete this weekend.

“We are one of the fastest-growing performance sports in the dog world,” she said.

If you go

What: Longview Kennel Club’s 67th AKC Licensed All Breed Dog Show, with dock diving and obedience trials with the Tyler Obedience Training Club

When: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday

Where: Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, Longview

Cost: Admission for spectators is $5 for adults; children enter for free