Great Danes and Good Times Coming to Dog Show in Myrtle Beach

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The city of Myrtle Beach is ready to go to the dogs for the week of Oct. 25-31 for the Great Dane Club of America's annual meeting and convention at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Hundreds of the jumbo-sized dogs and their proud owners will converge on the town to share their passion for the popular dog breed.

Held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, the event is only two blocks away from the pet-friendly Breakers Resort on the downtown oceanfront. Convention guests can find great accommodations for their dogs and themselves at the spacious Breakers Resort, including easy access to the beach for the dogs to run. Guests can make the short stroll to and from the convention from their luxurious room at the Breakers.

A full week of festivities are on the agenda, including organizational meetings, committee meetings, vendor booths featuring veterinarians, educational seminars for breeders, judges, trainers, and handlers. Owners and their dogs can also find plenty of fun things to do with their four-legged friends, including meet and greet opportunities at The Breakers and other dog-friendly venues around Myrtle Beach.

In addition to all the great events scheduled for Great Danes throughout the week, visitors for the GDCA event can find lots of fun things to do around town with their dogs. Myrtle Beach is home to two Bark Parks, where dogs can legally roam free, fetch, swim and make new friends. The Coastal Grand Mall area is home to a Petsmart outlet for all of your animal’s needs, and there are hiking trails and other areas where you can mix and mingle with other lovers of the breed. Of course, the beach is the best place to take your dog for a walk, and the Breakers Resort property and adjoining beach provide the perfect place to unwind during your down time from the convention.

The festivities get under way Sunday night with a board meeting and a Welcome party, followed by the first full day of activities Monday, which include Fertility Day and the opening of Obedience and Rally Trials. The second round of Rally Trials will be held Monday night, including a formal dinner at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Fertility Day continues Tuesday with the second round of Obedience Trials, a general membership meeting and the Top 20 Dinner & Competition to round out the preliminary events and festivities.

Wednesday's schedule sees the start of the regular program, including Agility, Health Training and a Guided Bus Tour to Charleston for those interested in seeing the historic city to the south. The evening's highlights are a Pajama Dinner & Party for both the two-legged and four-legged participants. Guests and their Great Danes are invited to take part in the slumber party by dressing up in their best nightwear, with prizes awarded for Best Puppy, Adult, Veteran, Brace and Human-and-Dog Team. Everyone who dressed up for the occasion is entered into a drawing for a special prize, and raffles are held throughout the week.

Day 1 of Judging is held all day Thursday, followed by the second GDCA Board Meeting, Dinner & Auction. Friday sees the second day of Judging, a Juniors Party, Ringside Cocktails and an Evening Parade that allows handlers and their dogs to strut their stuff before the main event on the weekend. The highlight of the week is Saturday's Showmanship and Breed Judging with the winners' award banquet at the MBCC. For those who can stick around the Grand Strand for Sunday, the week concludes with the Independent Specialty Show, hosted by The Great Dane Club of Central North Carolina.

For a great time for you and your Great Dane, stay and play at the Breakers Resort in Myrtle Beach.

 

(Posted: 10/12/15)