Kentucky.gov

Department of Tourism
Diving Dogs Are Coming to Compete in Shelby County

SHELBYVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 9, 2005) – “Big air dog diving” is coming to Shelby County’s Buffalo Crossing Fun Ranch Sept. 16-18, 2005 as part of a weekend devoted to hunting and fishing enthusiasts and crafts aficionados.

The “big air dogs,” retrievers that compete by running down a 40-foot platform and leaping into a lake, will be the main attraction of the events scheduled for Friday through Sunday. The competition to determine the longest jump, which features cash prizes and trophies for professional and amateur divisions, is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

This dog diving event is a prelude to a professional competition on the Super Retriever Series tour sponsored by the Ducks Unlimited organization, to be held at Buffalo Crossing in April 2006, said Cathy Bentley, Buffalo Crossing’s special events coordinator. The April tournament is scheduled to be broadcast nationally on the Outdoor Life Network, she said.

The Sept. 17-18 events will also feature Buffalo Crossing’s Fourth Annual Fall Crafts Show, with more than 85 vendors exhibiting their work, Bentley said. The crafts show is Buffalo Crossing’s biggest event of the year, she said. There will also be demonstrations devoted to hunting and fishing.

About 30 to 40 trainers and their dogs are expected to participate in the dog diving competition. Among these are trainer Mike Jackson and his black Labrador, Little Morgan, who has held the world record jump of more than 26 feet.

Jackson will conduct two training seminars on Friday and Saturday for owners who want to get involved in dog diving. Dog owners must pre-register for the diving seminars by contacting Bentley at 502-647-0377 or 877-700-0047.

Also on the docket is a Friday banquet dinner sponsored by Ducks Unlimited, which sponsors the Super Retriever Series, and entertainment Saturday and Sunday by the White Buffalo Band. 

The Kentucky Department of Tourism, an agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, exists to promote The Commonwealth as a travel destination, generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky’s economy.