A new “best in show” will be named next weekend when the Cotton Cluster Dog Shows returns to Decatur.

Dogs ranging from six-month-old puppies to the most experienced in showmanship will appear at the Morgan County Celebration Arena Nov. 9-12 to compete for the coveted title. Shows are held daily and are open to the public.

Shows begin at 8 a.m. each day. Admission is free, but parking is $5 per car daily.

The Morgan County Celebration Arena is located at 67 Horse Center Road (off Alabama 67 East) in Decatur.

Hosted jointly by the Huntsville Kennel Club and the Decatur Alabama Kennel Club, the Cotton Cluster Dog Shows feature 190 different breeds and are considered one of the largest area dog shows licensed by the American Kennel Club. Last year, more than 1,200 dogs from all over the United States, Canada and Mexico entered and competed, producing an estimated economic impact of more than $850,000 for the city of Decatur and surrounding areas.

Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show will be presented each day. Both clubs are offering the National Owner Handler Series during all four days of the event. Dogs receive points on group placements and the top 10 dogs in each breed are invited to the National Championship Dog Show in Orlando, Florida, to be held in December to compete for Best In Show for Owner Handled Dogs.

Schedule

Thursday, Nov. 9

• Shetland Sheepdog Club of Greater Birmingham, Inc. Concurrent Specialty Show

Friday, Nov. 10

• Shetland Sheepdog Club of Greater Birmingham, Inc. Concurrent Specialty Show

• Dachshund Club of Alabama Concurrent Show

• American Black and Tan Coonhound Club Designated Specialty

• Four-to-six month beginner puppy competition

• Poodle Club of Alabama Concurrent Specialty Show

Saturday, Nov. 11

• Shetland Sheepdog of North Alabama Concurrent Specialty Show

• Dachshund Club of Alabama Concurrent Show

• Four-to-six month beginner puppy competition

• Poodle Club of Alabama Concurrent Specialty Show

Sunday, Nov. 12

• Shetland Sheepdog of North Alabama Designated Specialty Show

Supporting their entries all four days are English cocker spaniels, dachshunds, redbone coonhounds, black and tan coonhounds, bull terriers, miniature bull terriers, Havanese, Akitas, Shetland sheepdogs, field spaniels, American fox terriers, dalmatians and poodles. In addition, bred-by groups will be offered on Thursday, puppy groups on Friday and veterans group on Saturday.

“A dog show such as the Cotton Cluster provides the perfect opportunity to pick your next ‘best friend,’” the release said. “Event organizers encourage anyone considering the purchase of a purebred dog to attend the Cotton Cluster Dog Shows and talk one-on-one with exhibitors about their breed.”

For more information, visit www.huntsvillekennelclub.org, www.dakc.org or www.facebook.com/thecottoncluster.