Dog Show Fetches Big Business for Northland

Exhibitors at the dog show enjoy local hotels, restaurants, and more.

Day two of the Duluth Kennel Club’s annual dog show not makes the tails wag on its attendees, but also in the local economy.

The show isn’t just for the dogs. Local hotels, shops, restaurants and more all benefit.

The event fetches plenty of extra cash for the Northland.

The dogs and their owners spend up to five days in the area, if not more.

They stock up on essentials and entertainment and some make the Twin Ports their vacation spot.

Even though they’re not a vendor on-site at the show, Matilda’s Dog Bakery sees a little extra business taking a walk through the doors.

“The one common thread everybody has is the love of their animals, no matter where they come from or what walk of life,” said Joann Elliot, owner of Matilda’s Bakery.

UMD conducted an economic study on the benefits the dog show brings to town.

“Any person that is spending their money here is an export from our region to whatever region they came from. So it’s money coming in from the outside which is what tourism is all about,” said Richard Lichty, a UMD Economics Professor Emeritus.

The American Kennel Club reports that a dog show could bring in as much as $1.5 million into a community.

It’s also estimated that each exhibitor could spend over $600 during one show.