By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – The city of Columbiana’s population has grown by leaps and bounds this week, thanks to hundreds of canines competing for awards in an American Kennel Club all breed dog show.

The Tuscaloosa and Birmingham kennel clubs are hosting this year’s show in Columbiana, which started April 7 and will continue through April 10 from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the Shelby County Exhibition Center.

“Everything is going well,” TKC Show Chairman and BKC President Daniel R. Bacon said as the first day’s events came to a close on the afternoon of April 7.

More than 700 dogs, including about 136 different breeds, were entered in the April 7 events. On Saturday, nearly 1,000 dogs representing more than 140 breeds will compete in various categories.

“They come from all over,” TKC Vice President Kristi Simmons said of the dogs and their owners and handlers at the show. “It’s really good that we’ve got that many entries.”

Bacon said this year marks the eighth year the show has been held in Columbiana, and last year’s show drew participants from 48 states.

Parking is $5 per day, but admission to the event is free and open to the public.

Simmons said the show affords people an opportunity to talk to breeders about different types of dogs and to see dogs that have been bred according to strict breed standards for size, color, temperament and other inherent characteristics.

“You’re seeing the good representations of (each breed),” Simmons said. “Each judge is comparing the dogs to their breed standard. It’s important that the integrity is maintained.”

All four days include beginner puppy (four to six months) and national owner handler series events, Bacon said.

In addition, dog supplies vendors are on site selling anything from collars to brushes to leashes.

For more information about the show and other related events, visit the Tuscaloosa Kennel Club and Birmingham Kennel Club Facebook pages or Onofrio.com.