Dogs of Scotland Events

DOGS OF SCOTLAND EVENTS

The Virginia Scottish Games and Festival sponsors fun activities for dogs, including the 13 Scottish breeds, and their owners. Over the years, attendees have enjoyed watching terriers racing just for the love of the chase, Border Collies herding sheep, Shelties flying through an agility course, and Deerhounds lure coursing.

The VSGF also promotes humane education through participation of local Scottish breed dog rescues and distribution of information about canine issues and owner-guided training.

Volunteers of Westie Rescue of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc. run the dog activities at the Games.

For more information about how rescues assists homeless dogs, go to “What Is a Dog Rescue.” For details about Westie Rescue, visit the Westie Rescue site.

Westies Participating in the Annual Terrier Races

General Information

DOGS ARE WELCOME

At The Virginia Scottish Games and Festival*

· No “dog admission” fee charged for bringing your dog to the VSGF.

· Although any dog may participate in dog events, Scottish breeds (scroll down page to view) are particularly encouraged to attend.

· Virginia Scottish Games and Festival Dog Policy*:

· Dogs must be on leash at all times.

· An adult (18 years and over) must be in control of the dog at all times.

· No females in heat are allowed.

· Aggressive dogs will not be tolerated.

· Owners must be able to show a current rabies certificate for each dog.

· Inhumane treatment of any dog will not be tolerated and will be cause for expulsion.

· Owners must clean up after their dogs (free bags are provided at the Dogs of Scotland tent).

· Water will be provided for dogs by the VSGF.

· Decisions regarding these rules and dog events by the VSGF and Westie Rescue are final.

ATTENTION SCOTTISH BREED DOG OWNERS and RESCUES: For more information about the “Scottish Dog Special” for attendees bringing a Scottish breed dog or rescues of Scottish breeds, email Cynthia Chambers, Dog Events Chair, at dogevents@comcast.net

Activities

Saturday and Sunday –Information on Scottish dog breeds.

There is always a Dogs of Scotland information tent where you can obtain information about the 13 Scottish dog breeds, get training tips, and pick up fun children’s materials.

During the entire weekend, you can also meet with rescue groups (organizations which provide adoption services for dogs needing new homes) for several of the Scottish breeds, see their dogs, talk about the characteristics of each breed, and learn how to adopt a dog.

Sunday –Dog activities begin with the ever popular terrier races.

Terrier Races: 9:00 A.M.

The races are broken into “heats” where two dogs chase a lure down a race course. The dog who goes through the hole in the bales of hay at the end of the course is the winner and is awarded a blue ribbon (the second place dog receives a red second place ribbon).

Dogs from each terrier breed complete against each other (i.e., Cairns compete against Cairns) until the dog with the most wins is determined. After the winner for each terrier breed is settled, the winners from each of the terrier breeds compete until the overall Terrier Races winner is determined.

Although terriers are the primary race participants, any “terrier-wannabe” may test their skill in chasing the lure You can always bet there will be a variety of reactions from non-terriers and laughter from the crowd. For example, they may want to “herd” the lure into a corner or point it out rather than actually chase it. And then, there are those dogs who are just not interested and take a snooze, do a bit of scratching, or run along the course greeting the crowd. Hey, whatever makes your tail wag!

If puppies are in attendance, they are allowed to try their paws on the course. As usual, whenever puppies are involved there is much confusion, “oohs and ahs,” and again laughter. There is never a clear winner. . .just a lot of “cuteness.” Therefore, all of the puppies are declared “winners.”

Other Organized Events 10:00 — 11:30 A.M.

After the terrier races, other events begin. The variety of events changes from year to year. Past activities have included dog and dog-owner relays and competitions for biggest and smallest dog, farthest traveled dog, best licker, fastest tail, etc. Again, winners are given blue ribbons.

The Scottish breed dog ending the day with the most blue ribbons is declared the “Top Scottish Dog” for the year and receives a First Place Rosette and other goodies.

There have also been demonstrations of lure coursing, flyball, agility, and doggy dancing.

Parade of Scottish Dogs: 12:00 — 12:30 P.M.

Any Scottish breed dog attending the VSGF is welcome to join in the Parade, which is led by a bagpiper around the grounds.

Throughout the afternoon, there is ample opportunity for dogs and owners to socialize, share their experiences with other attendees, and experience the music, dancing, food and beverage, and shopping at the VSGF.

Left: “Where’s the Races?”

Below: Post Race- “Everybody in the

pool to cool off!”

Dog Agility 101: Trying the mini

A-Frame (foreground) and Tunnel

DOG EVENTS SPECIAL

Anyone bringing a Scottish breed dog is eligible for the perks of our Scottish Dog Special. Any Scottish breed rescue group is eligible to set up a info tent.

Email Cynthia Chambers (DogEvents@comcast.net) for more information at least two weeks prior to the Games.