17th annual K-9 trials to unleash excitement in Hillsboro this weekend

Washington County’s professional canine competition is back for another year of tricks, agility and tail-wagging excitement.

Hosted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff’s Office Foundation, the 17th Annual Washington County K-9 Trials returns Saturday, May 18, to the Hillsboro Stadium at 4450 N.E. Century Blvd.

Aside from a chance for police dogs and their handlers to earn bragging rights — and a trophy — the event offers an opportunity to learn about the K-9 units used to help protect local communities.

The trials feature a series of gripping competitions, each designed to highlight the unique skills and rigorous training K-9 teams undergo. The events include the area search, agility course, suspect apprehension, fastest dog and handler protection.

The top three dogs with the fastest times for each event will receive gold, silver and bronze medals. A point system will be used to determine the first-place designation for each event.

A meet-and-greet with the K-9s will be hosted after the competition, and spectators can enjoy a community fair before the trials to learn more about police dogs and safety.

The fair starts at 10 a.m., and the competition begins at 11 a.m.

Food and drinks will also be available for purchase.

For more information, visit bit.ly/K9Trials .

Those not able to attend the event in person can watch live online at youtube.com/live/UxfseLZqtEo .