Saturday show for pitbull terriers only

A premiere sanctioned dog show Saturday is open to all American pitbull terrier owners.

It will be held at Riverside Park, east of the Territorial Prison State Park, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Brian Sennikoff, a planned breeder of pitbulls and organizer of the Owners of American Pitbull Terriers Club in Yuma, said, "This will be an All American Dog Registry (AADR) show for pitbulls. It gives owners an opportunity to show off their dogs and meet with others who love pitbulls.

"Pitbulls have had negative publicity, and this show will be a way to prove differently. It will be a family event, and behavior that is not in the best interest of the breed will not be tolerated. No people-unfriendly dogs or dog-unfriendly people will be allowed," Sennikoff said.

"To enter, the dogs have to be at least 4 months old, wear a buckle collar with a four-foot leash. They must be kept in a crate-kennel at the show unless being walked or shown," the organizer said. "No fixed or neutered dogs or those in heat allowed, and no puppies will be for sale at the show."

Judge for this first show will be T.L. Williams, listed in the AADR.

Trophies will be presented for the best big dog, best blue dog, best conditioned and, for fun, the ugliest. Junior handlers are welcome to participate.

From personal experience with pitbulls, Sennikoff said, "This breed has been in my family for generations. I have one, Max-A-Million, that is a descendant from a great-great-grandfather. He recently won the best male in an AADR show in Tucson. The dogs have been friends and companions — sleep with me, sit in my car when I work or wait on the couch until I get home.

"They are great with children and old people and, for those who don't know them, my motto is, 'Love ’em or leave ’em alone.'"

For more information about the show, call 342-5420 or e-mail info@thepitbull terrier.com.

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Pam M. Smith can be reached at psmith@yumasun.com or 539-6856.