By: Katherine Paxson and Amanda Tomec
All dogs were fluffed and the sun was shining this past Saturday, February 21 at the annual “AKC All Breed Championship Dog Show” in the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton. The dog show was sponsored by the Boca Raton Dog Club, “a nonprofit organization that serves to make a better life for all within our community and to nurture our faithful friends.”  
With a variety of breeds and a total of 362 entries, these canines are held to the highest standards of perfection and are strictly judged according to the American Kennel Club's guidelines.
Contestants were judged on a point scale based on their general appearance (including coat), head and neck (teeth, jaws, ears and eyes), front quarters (chest, front feet, front legs and shoulders), hind quarters (hips, back, back feet, back legs and tail), special characteristics of breed, gait, movement and temperament.  
During the show, spectators and visitors walked around to the many booths set up for vendors to sell and advertise their stores and products. Ashley Pecchia, store owner in east Boca, attended the event for the first time. Pecchia’s store, Cutie Paw Couture, sells small dog accessories as well as designer puppies, but is also a five star luxury resort for dogs. “We opened last July so we are trying to get our name out there," said Pecchia.
Unfortunately, not all dogs win the prestigious title of Best in Show, but there is always a ribbon for the dogs who win out of their breed category. Jupiter residents Dave and Janet Desmond's German Shepherd Kaos won Best in Breed. “Dog shows like this one are conformation shows. If the dog conforms to breed standards,” said Janet Desmond.  Aside from competing in dog shows, she is also the President of the Treasure Coast German Shepherd Dog Club for the Tri-county area. “We are dedicated to the education, training and proper care for the dogs,” she said.
Out of all the dogs that competed on Saturday, there could only be one winner to take home the title of Best in Show. California resident Noble Inglett's Pomeranian Bon won the renowned title. It was Bon and Inglett’s first win in Florida, but their tenth Best in Show award. Currently, Inglett’s Pomeranian is number one in the country. The hard work for both man and man’s best friend paid off from being participants in dog show competitions every weekend. “It is always an amazing feeling that never gets old as long as he shows his little heart out, and he did,” said Inglett.
The AKC All Breed Championship Dog Show was a spectacle of an event and a hope for a win by dogs and their owners. It takes a lot of hard work, preparation and heart to compete in these championships with all participants hoping to take home the Best in Show title.