PROVIDENCE – The Bay Colony Dog Show, which opens on Thursday at the R.I. Convention Center, has moved to the city after being held in Boston for more than 100 years.

The four-day show, one of the nation’s largest American Kennel Club dog events, decided to move to Providence amid concerns about the stability of its previous home, the Bayside Exposition Center, which fell into foreclosure earlier this year.

Julie Dennehy, a spokeswoman for the dog show, said the organizers chose the R.I. Convention Center after looking at a dozen sites in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, New Hampshire and Providence. She said John McGinn, the facility’s sales director, played a key role in convincing them to come here.

“We can’t say enough nice things about the [Convention Center] team, as well as the mayor’s office, the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, and the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau,” Dennehy said. “All have welcomed the show with open arms, and have provided this large event with everything promised and more.”

The Bay Colony Dog Show attracts 8,000 competitors and more than 15,000 spectators and vendors. In addition to a “Best in Show” competition, this year’s show features dog demonstrations, a children’s play area and “Bark Avenue,” with vendors selling dog products. A number of Rhode Island-based businesses are slated to participate.

“We are looking forward to our first year in Providence, and hope it does well enough this year that we can stay for years to come,” Dennehy said.

Additional information is available at baycolonydogshow.com.