But no one loves dogs quite like the owners who enter man's best friend in dog shows, explains Olga Gagne, investing a lot of time and capital on groomers and trainers in the aim for pooch perfection.

"This is a very serious hobby that people put a lot of money and a lot of passion into," said Gagne, president of the Wine Country Kennel Club, which is hosting its ninth annual Canadian Thanksgiving Show this weekend.

Taking place at the Niagara Regional Exhibition grounds in Welland, the four-day show starts Friday and trots straight till Thanksgiving Monday, showcasing more than 1,000 dogs hoping for Best in Show from more than 80 breeds. The show, open to the public and free to attend, sees more than 200 dogs a day compete for the judges' affection in areas including poise, obedience and appearance. Dogs and trainers travel, at their own expense, from as far away as Quebec, Pennsylvania and New York State to compete, said Gagne, most staying for the whole four days.

"It brings a lot of business into town," she said.

As well as the dog show, the event also includes pet care vendors and a "puppy fun match" after 5 p.m. each day, where competition amateurs please the crowd, said Gagne.

On Saturday at 12:30 p.m., there will also be a junior competition for young trainers and owners, said Gagne. A complete schedule of events, including show times for specific breeds, is available at the kennel's website at www.winecountrykc.com.

The show's judges are also travelling from across Ontario and the United States, said Gagne. Points are given based on regulations from the Canadian Kennel Club, the show's governing body.