From shepherds to corgis, Jambalaya Cluster Dog Show takes over Lamar-Dixon (2024)

Loyal German shepherds, energetic beagles and noble Dalmatians were just a few of the more than 120 breeds showcased this weekend during the Baton Rouge Kennel Club’s annual Jambalaya Cluster Dog Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center.

More than 700 dogs registered to participate in the four-day event, which began Thursday.

The Jambalaya Cluster Dog Show is an event that injects $1.5 million into Ascension and surrounding parishes, according to show chair Ebony Holmes.

“This weekend is going great for everyone,” Holmes said. “Lamar-Dixon is rated exceedingly high among dog show sites because of the covered avenue, parking, and other features.

“Some of our goals for the club, and the event, are to educate people about purebred dogs, pet ownership and the importance of finding good breeders.”

Tamarah Mitchell, of Seminole, Texas, and her daughter, 10-year-old Sophia, showed multiple Pembroke Welsh corgis, including 7-month-old Queso and 6-year-old Tito.

“I’ve always had a passion for dogs, and when I was a child, I wanted to be a veterinarian,” Mitchell said. “While most kids in high school watched football, I watched the Westminster Dog Show.

“I’ve always had a dream of wanting to show dogs and my husband, Daniel, helped make that happen,” Mitchell added. “He said if that’s what I wanted to do, that’s what we’ll do.”

Mitchell said the energetic, lowrider corgis are a special breed of their own.

“I love their confident personalities,” Mitchell noted. “They are so loving and good with kids, and they just want to be with you.”

The event also included vendors such as Art n Soul by Tonya, from Hurley, Mississippi.

Owner Tonya Saksa took full advantage of her trip from Hurley by both showing her pointer dog and hosting a booth featuring her hand-painted watercolor pet portraits.

“I was an English and art teacher, and I’m traveling to shows anyway and my portraits are a perfect fit in the dog show lifestyle,” Saksa said.

Saksa said half of her commissioned portrait sales at the Gonzales dog show were from Ascension Parish residents.

“It’s really nice to see the locals come through and ask for custom orders,” Saksa said.

Rachel Townley traveled from Foley, Alabama, and has participated in a few dog shows with her 2-year-old, black-and-white Great Dane, Scylla.

“I’ve always wanted to try the dog shows,” Townley said. “I know a good breeder who wanted me to show, and I said, ‘If you’re willing to give me a chance, I’m willing to try.’”

Townley said Scylla’s playful personality and her willingness to please helps her become a good show dog at events, and a member of the family at home.

Holmes said the Baton Rouge Kennel Club is always open to add new members.

For more information about the Baton Rouge Kennel Club, visit batonrougekennelclub.com/Baton_Rouge_Kennel_Club/Welcome.html.