The gist: Find a real holiday tail-wagging at the four-day Magnolia Christmas Classic Dog Show at the State Fairgrounds.
Come watch man's and woman's best friend strut their best four-legged stuff in the AKC All-Breed Dog Show, Junior Showmanship, Obedience and Rally Trials sponsored by the Mississippi State Kennel Club and the Brandon Kennel Club of Mississippi.
More than 1,000 dogs are entered in the Deep South's last great dog show cluster of the year. See breeds from Yorkshire Terriers to Irish Wolfhounds compete.
"There are four different competitions and each day is a different show," says rally chairwoman Donna Webb.
Those who have a passion for pooches will enjoy a big opportunity for Christmas shopping for their canine cuties.
"We have a huge number of vendors this year, and they have everything," says Roxanne Hilsman, show chairwoman. "They'll have specialty items specific to all breeds, unbelievably cool leads and collars," from high end to affordable.
"They're from all over the countryside," says Webb, with items from breed silhouette mailboxes to grooming supplies, dog beds and chew toys.
Upper crust canines: This is the final cluster in the Southeastern region, so a lot of these dogs go on to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, televised from New York City.
"People can meet handlers with the top dogs in the world," Hilsman says.
"If they're interested in a particular breed, they can come see some of their favorite dog breeds," Webb says.
Rally & Obedience is fun for spectators as they watch dogs take commands and see how much they've learned, organizers say.
The $2 admission donation (free for children age 12 and younger) benefits the Hinds County Sheriff's Second Chance Pet Partners.
In that program, inmates train companion and service dogs for disabled and/or hearing-impaired people in the community.
Seminars on breeding and on specific breeds are part of the event.
