A 'pawsome' Sunday treat for dog lovers

 Around 600 canines of various breeds, both homegrown and from other parts of the world, are likely to take part in the two-day dog show which was inaugurated in the City on Saturday.

The 110th and 111th Championship conducted by the Mysore Kennel Club and the Kennel Club of India’s 19th and 29th FCI International Dog Show are being conducted jointly at the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University behind the Veterinary Institute.

Prof S Yathiraj, president, Mysore Kennel Club, said the event was being organised on a large scale this time around. “With two events at the same venue, we expect many participants,” he said.

He said about 600 dogs are expected at the show. The canines, which have been categorised under 10 groups such as utility, hunting dogs and flushing dogs, will perform in six different rings.

At the end of the event, awards will be given in categories. The best dog in each breed and eight best in the show will get prizes.

 “These would be decided based on the breed character, standard of the breed, its maintenance and also its performance in the rings,” said Yathiraj.

Apart from the common breeds such as the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, pomeranian and labrador, the spectators had much to admire. Miniature pomeranians were among the favourites for those taking selfies. Just over the size of two palms, three such cuties were spotted at the show.

Yathiraj said unusual breeds such as Russel Terror, Afghan Hound, Belgian Shepherd, Akita and Schnauzer wil take part in the show this year.

The brown Irish Setter and Newfoundland were among the primary attractions. Giving guest appearances and otherwise in their pet vehicle, these two are owned by Bage Gowda, resident of RR Nagar. He also owns St Bernards, pugs and terriers.

Grooming
Dogs as pets are believed to be a pampered lot. The owners also spend a good amount of time grooming them. For instance, it takes Harleen no less than four hours to give her a pet a bath. Such is the attention paid to her Shih Tzu. “Is the hair buff fine?” she asks her friend as her dog put its head down through the dressing sessions.

“It takes me hours together to dress him up and he has been trained to sit through it,” said Harleen.