Weirton gets round of a-paws from national dog organization | News, Sports, Jobs

SHOWING OFF — Spinones and their owners from across the country have been in Weirton for the last several days as part of the Spinone Club of America’s National Specialty, with workshops and competitions held at the Holiday Inn Weirton-Steubenville Area and the Mingo Sportsman’s Club. — Craig Howell

WEIRTON — The Upper Ohio Valley has, once again, gone to the dogs, with the Spinone Club of America making its return to the area for its National Specialty event.

The SCOA, which is the parent club for the Spinone Italiano breed of dogs under the American Kennel Club, has been calling the Weirton area home since Saturday, with a schedule full of testings, shows and social activities as part of its annual national competition.

Many of the activities have been centered at the Holiday Inn Weirton-Steubenville Area, with organizers calling the hotel and its staff gracious hosts.

“It’s a beautiful setup and a wonderful environment for our show,” noted Ann Bagnell, the club’s president.

This is the club’s second time in Weirton, with it previously bringing the National Specialty to the area in October 2021.

SHOWING OFF — Spinones and their owners from across the country have been in Weirton for the last several days as part of the Spinone Club of America’s National Specialty, with workshops and competitions held at the Holiday Inn Weirton-Steubenville Area and the Mingo Sportsman’s Club. — Craig Howell

This year, the hotel provided space for a variety of seminars, obedience trials, trick testings, show contests and even health screenings.

In addition to activities at the Holiday Inn, participants in this year’s event crossed the Ohio River to take part in field exercises at the Mingo Sportsman’s Club, where the dogs took part in various hunt tests Saturday and Sunday.

The outdoor environment provided better opportunities to showcase the dogs’ abilities, according to members.

“Our dogs are out in the fields and water doing what they’re bred to do,” explained member Kay McLeland.

According to the American Kennel Club, the Spinone Italiano is a densely coated hunting dog of ancient Italian heritage, originally among the field dogs of Continental Europe. The breed is considered an “all-around hunter” and “built more for endurance than speed.” The breed is categorized under the sporting group by the AKC.

Bagnell noted participants came from all over the country for the event, which also included breed specialists and one judge from Italy.

She said it’s part of the effort to not only showcase the breed, but to keep it healthy.

“It’s not something we can do individually,” she said.

Delita Rosenbaum, of Raleigh, N.C., has two Spinones, one 3 years old and one 11 months. This year’s National Specialty was her first time competing with 3-year-old Cleo.

While they are a larger breed, Rosenbaum explained the Spinone has a softer nature, which has made it an ideal companion for youth, as well as in use as a therapy dog in addition to its traditional hunting tasks.

“The temperament of Spinones is suited to therapy and to being at home,” she said shortly before entering the show ring.

Brad Degenkolb, director of sales and marketing at the Holiday Inn, offered his appreciation to the members of the SCOA, as well as to the hotel staff and the employees of Undo’s Weirton, calling it “a total team effort.”

“It’s really a pleasure to work with the groups and have them back,” he said.

The SCOA National Specialty is scheduled to continue in Weirton through Friday.