Sports Arena Being Groomed for Dog Show on Sunday

More than 2,500 dogs, representing 138 breeds, will compete for prizes at Sunday’s All Breed Dog Show and Obedience Trials at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. For families who are thinking about getting a dog, this is a chance to size up the possibilities and talk with pet owners about the advantages and disadvantages of different breeds.

Around the arena, owners will be busy grooming and cajoling their charges into center-ring readiness.

Between judgings, a troupe of Dobermans will jump through hoops and barrels and will scale walls. In the scent relay, teams of dogs will jump over hurdles and locate the jackets of their owners. There will also be a demonstration of how dogs herd farm animals.

Other attractions include the appearance of Warren Eckstein, radio host of “Pet Show,” who will answer behavioral questions about dogs (as well as cats, pigs and goldfish, if he’s asked); free veterinary advice; a demonstration of how 4-H youngsters help train puppies to become guide dogs, and more than 70 vendors selling dog paraphernalia. A computer is provided for visitors’ use to find out which breeds would best suit their life styles.

Show hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission: adults, $4.50; children, $1. Information: (818) 789-8350.