Sydney, a golden retriever competing at this weekend's Seattle Kennel Club Dog Show, is more than a beautiful award winner at the Westminster Dog Show in New York City — she's a working search-and-rescue dog credited with saving Boy Scouts lost on Mount Rainier, among other accomplishments. She also has a "day job" comforting young patients before dental procedures at a clinic where her owner, Sharmin Dominke, of Redmond, works. Sydney is among seven local dogs just back from competition at Westminster who will participate in this weekend's 74th annual Seattle show.

Best of Show, evaluating dogs according to breed standards for ideal size, color, structure and temperament, is the weekend's signature event. Popular breeds are well represented, including more than 50 Labrador retrievers, the number one dog breed in the United States, among the 1,887 dogs of 154 breeds expected at the show.

Seeing ideal representatives of familiar, favorite breeds along with exotic canines you're not likely to spot at your local dog park is one of the attractions that draw big crowds to the show.

Other show competitions include agility, competing in speed and accuracy through a maze of obstacles; rally stations requiring skills a dog performs with the help of its handler; and obedience events. Demonstrations feature the Seattle Police Canine Unit, dancing dogs, herding dogs, K-9 explosive-detection dogs, the K-9 Nose Work Demonstration Team, and Reading With Rover dogs that help kids develop reading skills.

Guided tours, offering an insider's view of the show, are a popular feature available on the hour from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days; group sizes are limited, sign up in advance on the show website or day of the event at the information table near the main show entrance.

Information from a variety of dog clubs and "Meet the Breed" sessions provide information on choosing the right dog for your lifestyle, including rescue organizations with pets available for adoption. A retail area with 60 vendors offers a wide selection of dog-related items and services for dogs and their humans.

Madeline McKenzie: 206-464-8245 or mmckenzie@seattletimes.com