The Drawbridge Inn, that's who.

The Fort Mitchell hotel is host to more than 900 dogs this week as the Doberman Pinscher Club of America convenes for its national competition.

Judy Smith, ring steward, said the group tries to rotate show locations each October for the many travelers drawn. The club has more than 2,000 members nationwide.

The Northern Kentucky site seemed a good central location, she said. Last year, the show was in Denver, and next year it will head south to Houston.

Ed Deaton, sales and catering manager at the Drawbridge Inn, said this is the second time the group has held the conference here, which lasts through Saturday.

"Not a lot of people can accommodate what they need," Deaton said. "As far as space, sleeping rooms and meeting rooms."

Dobermans and their handlers walk freely around the hotel grounds, and dog memorabilia including T-shirts and paintings adorn meeting rooms. Dogs do roam the hotel halls, and according to Deaton, they have not been a problem.

"They are well trained for the show," he said, "so obviously they are well-behaved and listen to (commands) of their owner or handler."

Ann Goldsmith and her dog, Summer, came from New Jersey.

"He's done fantastic today," she said of her 10-month-old Doberman. "He's won best puppy in show."

Smith said the dogs are separated by age and color and awarded first through fourth place for several qualities. Among the top qualities judges look for are breed structure, obedience and agility (coursework).

Smith is not only a judge but an owner and breeder.

"They are wonderful (dogs) to live with and so smart," she said.

E-mail aremke@enquirer.com