Photos: The show mutts go on

Boston Globe

25-02-2025

Most of the dogs, from shelters and animal rescues, will perform in 40 shows across the country this year.
Pixel posed in a preshow warmup on stage at the Mutts Gone Nuts acrobatic dog show.
John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
The Norwell theater was packed with mesmerized children, some munching on fresh popcorn and holding stuffed dogs that could be purchased in the lobby.
Scott and Joan Houghton of Glen Arm, Md., have been producing the show since 2005. They began performing together in1984 as a comedy juggling and unicycling act, even performing in Harvard Square and Faneuil Hall Marketplace in the 1980s.
'Having rescue dogs in the shows gives us a mission,' Scott said.
The dogs also have trainers who travel with the show and use positive reinforcement.
'We want our dogs to have fun. When they get too old to perform some of the stunts, we find something easy for them.' Joan said.
One of their rescue dogs, a greyhound called Feather, holds the Guinness World Record for jumping 75.5 inches high over a hurdle during a 2017 competition.
Scott and Joan Houghton cheered on three dogs wheeling a cylinder on stage during the Mutts Gone Nuts acrobatic dog show, which made a stop at the Company Theatre in Norwell on Feb. 20 during its national tour.
John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
'Our show is so visual. What an impact you can have on people.' Joan said. Many of the high-flying acts are done by the border collies. 'Some of the border collies are so smart. They know the routine so well they want to rush through it.' Joan added.
One of the show's traveling dog trainers, Alexandra Cote from Quebec, has been with the show for just one year and says she is loving it. Cote gained fame in 2021 during her appearance on 'America's Got Talent' with her border collies Tesla and Louka. She received a standing ovation from all four judges.
The Mutts Gone Nuts will be in Manchester, N.H., on May 3 after another cross-country tour for several months, with the Houghtons traveling in their camper trailer with some of the dogs.
'We're never away from the dogs,' Joan said. 'A vacation for us is just going home after being on the road.'
As the curtain came down, and the crowd filed out, dim blue stage lights formed a halo around Feather, curled up on a shaggy bed backstage after another memorable performance.
Trainer Bonnie Scott flipped Frisbees to her canine performer.
.
John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
Many in the audience watched in awe during Mutts Gone Nuts.
John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
Lumina, a border collie, sang to a song as trainer Alexandra Cote held the microphone.
John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
Trainer Alexandra Cote danced on stage with her border collies Louka (left) and Tesla.
John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
Feather, a rescue greyhound, set a Guiness World Record in 2017 for jumping a hurdle 75.5 inches high. She rested backstage before her performance in the Mutts Gone Nuts acrobatic dog show.
John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
The curtain goes up at the start of the dog show. A dozen talented dogs, who are from shelters and animal rescues, performed on stage to a packed audience dominated by children.
John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
Pixel is airborne on stage in a preshow warmup at the Company Theatre in Norwell.
John Tlumacki/Globe Staff