SCARBOROUGH – Nearly 3,000 purebred dogs and their owners and handlers will descend on Scarborough this weekend for the fifth annual Southern Maine Coastal Classic show, which is taking place at Wassamki Springs Campground.

The Vacationland Dog Club, based in Portland, is co-hosting the show with the York County Kennel Club. In addition, other specialty events are being sponsored by the Pine Tree State Doberman Pinscher Club, the Bearded Collie Club of America and the Maine Golden Retriever Club.

Pauline Goodwin, a member of the Vacationland Dog Club and chairwoman of the dog show, said the goal of the event is to compare each competing dog to “their respective breed standard,” as established by the American Kennel Club.

Goodwin also said there would be a breeder’s showcase, which allows the exhibitors to show off the dogs produced in their respective breeding programs.

In addition, the dog show will offer obedience and rally courses, and the whole event will culminate with the naming of a “best in show” winner. The campground’s snack bars will also be serving food, and a variety of vendors will be on hand to sell dog-related items.

Goodwin said the Vacationland Dog Club has held a show annually since 1945 and four years ago the club formed a relationship with the York County Kennel Club of Maine to create the Southern Maine Coastal Classic.

Goodwin said the overall goal of her club is “to promote responsible dog ownership and encourage the raising, general care and training of purebred dogs.”

A Junior Showmanship event will be offered all four days of the dog show, which is open to kids 9 to 18 with both open and novice classes. On Sunday the dog show will also feature a 4- to 6-month beginner puppy competition.

The Best Bred By Exhibitor competition will be held on Friday. This is open to non-champion dogs and for spectators. It’s an ideal way to see and interact with a particular breed of dog.

Saturday includes a specialty and sweepstakes show hosted by the Pine Tree State Doberman Pinscher Club, as well as the Welsh Corgi Club of America.

Saturday’s events also include a Best Veteran competition, which is open to dogs 7 and over, along with the Best in Show and a goldens-only match put on by the Maine Golden Retriever Club.

– Kate Irish Collins

A CLOSER LOOK

The Vacationland Dog Club meets at 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, except July and August, at The Barron Center, located at 1145 Brighton Ave. in Portland.

The club is co-hosting the fifth annual Southern Maine Coastal Classic dog show at Wassamki Springs Campground in Scarborough from May 15-18. Admission is free, but parking is $4 a day. Gates open at 8 a.m. all four days, and the show goes on rain or shine.

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Dogs and their owners take part in the 2013 Southern Maine Coastal Classic show.