JOIN USDog show attracts 253 canines
It was a proud day for the dog owners and it was equally a pleasant experience for pet lovers in the city.
Dog owners were found showering all affection on their dogs, trying to coax them to listen to their words. If a few dogs were all sluggish and tired, some were in a playful mood, posing a tough task to their beloved owners. All in all, it was not only a day out for the pet dogs and their owners, but also an unique opportunity for Mangaloreans to watch the dogs of different breeds in a single platform.
The Mangalore’s first open dog show organised by the Karavali Canine Club in association with Bangalore Canine Club, hosted three shows simultaneously in three rings, at Nehru Maidan on Sunday. If one ring was reserved exclusively for the Karavali Canine show organised by Karavali Canine Club, remaining two rings hosted the 28th and 29th championship dog shows by Bangalore Canine Club.
Rare varieties
The day-long event was a crowd puller, as the people of Mangalore got an opportunity for the first time, to witness the national-level championship dog shows. A wide range of dogs including some of the rare breeds like Afghan Hound, Siberian Huskey, Bull Dog, St Bernard, Golden Retriever, Akita, Rottweilers, Belgian Shepherd dogs stole the show. Perhaps, a large number of audience from the city got a chance to view the dogs belonging to some of the rare breeds, for the first time. Children and even the elders were seen cuddling and kissing dogs, that meant no harm.
Shamanth from Bolar had brought four of his Indian breed of Caravan dogs at the show. Expectations were high as his dogs were the champions in the previous Dogs Championship at Ooty. “Though these dogs look so huge, they do not harm as long as you shower affection. Indian breed dogs are good performers these days,” he said.
Dr Mithun had come along with his Great Dane ‘Maxi’ from Udupi, while Manjunath who had come along with his Doberman from Bangalore, found that his dog was getting it difficult to adjust to the changed climate. “Humidity is high here in Mangalore, compared to Bangalore, due to which the dog seems to be restless,” he said.
253 dogs
Organiser of the event T Preetham from Bangalore Canine Club said that 253 dogs of 36 breeds have participated in the show.
As it is a national championship, we have participants from Bangalore, Kerala, Maharashtra and other States too. As many as 70 registered canine owners from Mangalore have participated in the show. Three national and international judges— Kenneth Chuah from Malaysia, C V Sudarshan and Rajiv Shandilya are the juries here, he said.
On the nature of the contest, Preetham said that the dogs are judged on the basis of ‘conformation.’
Top eight dogs that appear closest to the set international standard will be selected for the final. The show does not entertain obedience and skill test of the canines, he said, adding that 25 per cent of the dogs that participated in the show were from abroad.
In an attempt to encourage Indian breeds, a special prize was announced for the Indian category.
Stalls selling accessories, food, toiletries and other grooming equipment for canines were set up at the venue.