FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -- Flocks of furry friends crowded the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum's Expo Center Thursday for the start of the 2024 Old Fort Cluster Dog Shows. The four-day event is hosted by the Northeastern Indiana Kennel Club (NIKC), a subsidiary of the American Kennel Club that was founded in 1934. Joyce McGinnis, corresponding secretary for the NIKC, said she has been involved with the club for more than 60 years and enjoys participating in shows because of her profound love of dogs. "I can't think of anything that makes me happier than doing this, and I really love it," McGinnis said. Gerald Ford (left center) attends a judging during the Old Fort Cluster Dog Shows in 1976. (Photo provided by Northeastern Indiana Kennel Club) In addition to the NIKC, the Marion Kennel Club (MKC) and the Sporting Dog Club of Indiana are also attending the dog shows, and while there are several types of dog clubs that focus on specific breeds, MKC President Bobbie Norkus said all dog handlers have one thing in common: a love for dogs. "These are people who love these dogs. They're cared for. They have their health testing that people do," Norkus said. More than 1,400 dogs are expected to partake in events over the next few days, and some are also expected to attend the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which will take place for the 149th time in February 2025. Katherine Smoot, an Indianapolis native who has competed at the Westminster Dog Show before and has also attended the Old Fort Cluster Dog Shows for at least 20 years, said it is one of her favorite shows because of the welcoming atmosphere and the personal ties she has. "It's special because this is a show that me and my mom did every year together, so it brings back a lot of memories," Smoot said. Cavalier King Charles SpanielClumber SpanielBeagleJapanese AkitaDobermanLagotto RomagnoloBoykin SpanielBarbetEnglish Setter While Smoot and her daughter, Alaina House, love dogs and also enjoy the competitive aspect of showing them, they said they also enjoy using the shows as ways to help people learn more about dogs. "You can teach the public so much ... they're able to learn about dogs, and not only the different breeds, but how to care for them," Smoot said. The Old Fort Cluster Dog Shows runs until Sunday, Nov. 3. Parking at the Coliseum is $8, and instead of standard admission, the NIKC asks guests bring a donation of dog food that will be given to Humane Fort Wayne's Pet Food Pantry.