DockDogs is an internationally known dog jumping contest where canines from around the country compete in three separate events, including Big Air®, Speed Retrieval® and Extreme Vertical®. Originally launched at the 2000 ESPN Great Outdoor Games, it has become a world famous competition and now holds more than 100 events annually.

DockDogs will be featured at the following NMMA shows in 2010: Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show, January 13–17; Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow, January 20–24; and, the St. Louis Boat & Sportshow, February 10–14. Show attendees can bring their pooch to the show to compete or just watch the pros in action.

“Many boat owners and outdoor enthusiasts are also dog owners, so we’re thrilled to feature DockDogs in these shows and get attendees involved in the action by creating an exciting, interactive boat show experience,” says Ben Wold, executive vice president of NMMA. “DockDogs is widely popular with both spectators and competitors, providing yet another cornerstone family-friendly event for winter fun at select NMMA boat and sportshows.”

In the Big Air competition, dogs sprint down a 40-foot dock at speeds over 30 mph and jump into a pool to capture the most air and distance they can. In previous competitions, championship dogs have jumped as much as 22 feet or longer – U.S. champion, Henry, currently holds the world record at just over 27 feet. Speed Retrieval is a racing event where dogs compete for the fastest time, while Extreme Vertical measures the height of each dog’s jump.

Click here to view video highlights from past DockDogs competitions. For additional information on NMMA boat and sport shows or to view a calendar of upcoming shows, visit BoatShows.com.

Provided by the National Marine Manufacturers Association.