English Springer Spaniel National Championship begins

(ABC 6 NEWS) – The City of Austin is hosting something big that people from all across the United States and Canada are gathering for, and it involves man’s best friend.

“Here in Austin, It’s feels cold but wonderful. I just want to say its nice to have everyone here in the Midwest,” Jason Givens, an event participant said.

Over 100 dogs are competing in this years English Springer Spaniel National Championship, who’s going to make it to the top?

“I’ve won three of these national championships, including the last two with this dog Solo, who’s a wonderful boy,” Givens said.

Jason Givens is running Solo, the former champ this year. He may be cute, but he’s tough to beat.

Solo’s owner Chuck Cloninger says his furry friend lives for moments like this.

“What do you think Solos favorite event is?”

“Its the finding the birds and retrieving the birds,” Cloninger said.

Solo like many other dogs will compete in events on land and in the water. Thursday Morning was the kickoff to all the fun with an event called braces.

“We put birds on either end of the flag line, and we quarter our dogs down the line and they find birds,” Givens said.

This is hard work for the dogs and their trainers, but there’s a big takeaway.

“At the beginning of the day and at the end of the day, we love the dogs and we love what we’re doing out here,” Givens said.

This event goes until Monday.