Some of the rarest dogs in the world-with six toes on each foot-are coming to Expo Park in Aurora to compete in a national specialty competition in September, including the breed's 2007 International and World Champion.
Spectators are invited to attend all weekend activities, and admission is free.
The Norwegian Lundehund National Specialty Competition will take place at noon Sept. 15 as part of Lundefest & Friends, a two-day dog fest at the park located at 10955 E. Exposition Ave.
The competition will feature conformation judging, best brace, stud, best feet (six toes on the fore feet), and parade of champions.
Only about 1,200 Lundehunds exist worldwide, and measure between a foot and 15 inches tall. They feature an unusual sixth toe on each foot that enables them to climb steep inclines.
The 2007 International and World Champion Norwegian Lundehund will be on site at the specialty competition. Eriksro Valerie Electra, or "Elle," recently earned her Mexican, Latin American, International and World championships in Mexico City at the 2007 World Dog Show.
Lundefest & Friends also will feature the High Plains Kennel Club "Fun Match" at 10 a.m. Sept. 15. Registration is scheduled from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., and all dogs are welcome. Activities include Conformation, Obedience and Rally. The cost to participate is $6 per dog and class, and $4 for second class.
On Sept. 16, the Arapahoe Kennel Club "Responsible Dog Ownership & Fun Day" will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to conclude the Lundefest & Friends weekend.
Visitors will have a chance to meet numerous breeds of the American Kennel Club, learn safety around dogs, participate in coloring and costume contests, get tested through the Canine Good Citizen Testing Program (a small fee will be charged), have your dog micro-chipped for identification ($45 fee), and view demonstrations every 30 minutes on junior handling, obedience, rally, flyball and agility, and the Aurora Police K-9 Unit.
Lundefest & Friends is presented by The American Norwegian Lundehund Club, in partnership with the City of Aurora Recreation Division. The event is sponsored by Samantha's Katz 'n Dogz, the Arapahoe Kennel Club and the High Plains Kennel Club.
The event will take place rain or shine, with a one-hour rain delay, if necessary. For more information, call 303-745-1356.