A.V.'S TOP DOGS IN SHOW SUNDAY.

Byline: John Sanders Staff Writer

More than 1,300 purebred dogs will show their stuff Dec. 12 at the Antelope Valley Kennel Club's annual Breed Dog Show and Obedience Trial.

Dogs ranging from Chihuahuas to mastiffs will be judged according to how well they conform to the standards set for their individual breeds, and other dogs will compete in following their masters' commands in obedience tests.

``I love dogs, and I think the Kennel Club does a lot of good for the community at large,'' publicity chairman Adrian Sanchez said. ``One of the things we try to do is to educate people in terms of responsible dog ownership. I think it's great. I grew up with dogs.''

Dogs from 140 different breeds are expected to be on hand at the fairgrounds, 155 E. Ave. I in Lancaster. Judging starts at 8 a.m. and runs until about 5 p.m.

Also on hand will be vendors selling pet items, ranging from dog food to collars to T-shirts and license plate holders memorializing favorite breeds.

Operating under the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club, the Antelope Valley Kennel Club was founded in 1955 by a group of local dog lovers.

They wanted to showcase purebred dogs as companion animals in an agricultural community, where dogs were regarded as working stock, while allowing fellow breeders to exhibit the best of their stock and helping to safeguard the traits and temperaments of individual breeds.

At the club's first show in 1958, there were 400 dogs representing 116 breeds.

The AVKC holds general membership meetings at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Palmdale Cultural Center, 704 E. Palmdale Blvd. Meetings usually include guest speakers and educational programs.