SALEM -- Hundreds of dogs, breeders, handlers and enthusiasts gathered at the Salem Community Park this weekend for the 55th Nutmeg Cluster Dog Show.
The show serves as a kick-off the outdoor dog show season
The show is sanctioned by the American Kennel Club.
Purebred dogs compete for best-on-breed, best-in-group and best in show
Among other activities, there's a puppy show for dogs 4 to 6 months old.
All members of the club volunteer differently, some maintain the grounds, while others coordinate parking.
It's a place for people interested in a breed to interact with breeders and the dogs themselves and find out if that type of dog would be good to blend with your family.