Dogs to make splash at Big Horn show

Meet Dexter.

I mention him only as reference point. He’s an aging English cocker spaniel who is extremely hard of hearing, so don’t worry about hurting his feelings.

Not that he paid that much attention to what anyone had to say, even when his hearing was good.

This party-colored couch potato is classified as an example of a sporting dog. Not a good example, but an example nonetheless. He’s bred to be a hunting dog, a retriever, a pointer. He’s bred to be man’s best friend.

He’s none of that. Well, except for the best friend part.

You won’t find Dexter at the Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show this weekend at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, where dogs from ESPN’s Great Outdoor Games will perform on a makeshift dock with big water tank.

Just in case you were wondering.

You’ve probably seen ESPN-type dogs, especially if you’re a channel surfer. Those with this particular skill set are called “dock dogs” and compete by jumping off the end of a dock for distance (for the record, Dexter’s idea of jumping for distance is hopping down off the couch).

These hydro-powered dogs compete twice today, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. and again Sunday at 2 p.m. – among an array of seminars during the Big Horn show.

ESPN calls this particular competition “Big Air.” The 2004 champion, a hyper black Lab named Little Morgan, flew 23 feet, 1 inch to win the gold medal. In 2002, Little Morgan set a world record by jumping 26-6.

Since that time, the dog has developed a tendency to take off some 5 feet short of the end of the dock, greatly curtailing his distances.

What’s interesting is how Little Morgan prepares for his jump. He literally drags his owner, Mike Jackson, to the dock.

Little Morgan won’t be at the show, but there will be an array of local dogs who can jump in that same championship range.

In its 45th year, the ever-popular Big Horn show is bigger than ever, even without dogs jumping for distance in water. The weekend seminar schedule includes two interesting discussions about fishing Lake Roosevelt – don’t miss topics for fishermen out for rainbow, smallmouth or walleye.

For hunters, there will be award-winning trophies galore on display. New this year is the Great Elk Tour, put together by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, featuring numerous trophy elk, including several record-setting trophies from Washington state.

Another attraction is a $200,000 display of single-action revolvers from Bob Munden, who bills himself as “The Fastest Gun Who Ever Lived” – a billing he will live up to twice today and twice Sunday.

You just won’t see Dexter. He plans a prolonged nap followed by a series of extended siestas.