Dogs don outfits in show

With a white sailor cap perched atop his large, bear-like head, Samson, a 4-foot-tall, 150-pound black great Dane, secured the title of “Top Dog” at the Newport Boat Show’s first-ever dog costume contest.

Dogs decked out in nautical attire ranging from pirate costumes to life vests came out for the chance to win PETCO gift cards and other prizes at Lido Marina Village on Saturday.

“Dogs and boats seem to go together; people take their dogs everywhere, so a contest like this seemed like a good idea,” said Duncan McIntosh, who runs the boat show.

Samson’s owner, Nancy Johnson, who runs a hair salon in Lido Marina Village, rescued the 9-year-old great Dane from a shelter three years ago.

She’s since trained him as a therapy dog — Samson makes regular rounds visiting sick children at local hospitals.

“His main job is to just be there to give love and support to children who are undergoing chemotherapy,” Johnson said.

Ginger, a 1-year-old golden retriever won the honor of “Saltiest Dog” at the show for the best nautical-inspired costume. Owner Doug Keigh wrapped a bandanna around Ginger’s neck covered with oversized fake money and a sign that read “serious boat buyer.”

“I thought it would be something funny that would tie into the boat show,” Keigh said.

Ginger enjoys body surfing and taking rides on the Balboa Island Ferry, where she likes to hop up on the railing and track sea gulls, Keigh said.

“She’s a big fan of sea gulls,” he said.

The prize for best trick went to a 6-year-old Pomeranian named Austin from Venice Beach, who can take a flying leap onto owner Johnny Mitchell’s arm as he skateboards.

“He’ll leap over pit bulls on the boardwalk in Venice. It’s fun for him; he loves it.” Mitchell said.

With his fur cut to resemble something between a mohawk and a lion’s mane, Mitchell calls Austin the “Fly N Lion.” Austin sported a child’s inflatable life preserver around his neck during the dog show, and perched on Mitchell’s hand as he skateboarded.

Austin has made appearances at the Sundance Film Festival and the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy, and will appear alongside actor Joey Lawrence in an upcoming film, where he plays a dog named “Fruit Loop,” Mitchell said.

With more than 200 boats for sale, the Newport Boat Show continues 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at Lido Marina Village.

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