Pooches strut their stuff at the Welland Country Kennel Club show

Thanksgiving weekend is all about family time, and in Welland today, hundreds of dog owners weren’t about to leave their furry friends out of the fun.

Six hours of brushing a week, and that’s just the start

He’s bathed, blown dry, then he goes out to the handlers where they go through that routine all over again.

Rudy is one of 800 dogs vying for the top prize at the Wine Country Kennel Club show this weekend.

160 breeds, big, small, sleek and furry, all strutting their stuff for discerning judges- hoping to score the big ribbon.

“It’s highly competitive. Every person you see here is into their dog, their breed. Many have years of experience,” says Rudy’s owner, Adele Macaskill.

First the dogs are judged based on how well they represent their specific breed. If they win that category, they go on to compete against all the top dogs.

Perfect form is a good start, but most owners say you need more than that for top prize.

“If they have that showy personality, like look at me, here I am, that’s what makes a great poodle,” says Stephanie Poot, who’s dog Shadow was competing today.

And the winner of best in show- proved it really is all about attitude.

Though Rudy didn’t take home the big ribbon, he’s going home with a very proud mom.

“I love watching him in the ring. Win lose or draw that’s where I get my thing,” says Macaskill.