JOIN USThe constant drizzle and overcast skies didn't dampen the spirit of dog lovers who came to participate in the 23 and 24 FCI International Dog Show that started in the city on Friday.
Hosted by the Bangalore Canine Club, the three-day event, is set to showcase over 568 entries and 67 different breeds of canines from across the country.
In addition to a good number of entries from the city, people have come in with their pets from Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Kerala and Guwahati.
The atmosphere was one of fun and frolic as Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Mudhol Hounds and Salukis vied with each other for attention. Pet parents too were seen mixing with each other. Irene Holt and Deena Talbot came all the way from Ahmednagar in Maharashtra to participate in the show with their pets - a Saluki. "Saluki has its origins in the middle-eastern region. We liked this breed because they are hunter dogs and fast runners. They cannot be looked after in small spaces and require large areas. They also need a lot of care and attention," explains Irene.
Yathish, who registered his nine-month old Great Dane for the show, says that he has been training his dog for the last one month for the show. "These shows test a canine's strength, speed, body structure and movement. I own a couple of dogs and train them too. There's a lot that you learn when you spend time with pets," says Yathish.
The show had a good number of dog trainers who have been regulars for the show. Kareena B and Nina are Russians, who have been dog trainers for a while now. "We always look forward to coming for the show because it gives us an idea of the different breeds, training methods and we also get to interact with other trainers from across the country. We work with all kinds of breeds but prominent among them are Golden Retriever and Irish Setter," says Kareena. Nina pitches in "We chose to be dog trainers and we can't think of working in any other field." Deepshikha Aditya, a dog lover, flew down from Kolkata, to participate at the show. "I have brought my Golden Retriever for this show. He is one among the 40 dogs that I own back home. I am not a regular breeder but I love owning these pets. I have people who train these dogs and maintain them too. Show like these give both the dogs and their owners a good exposure of the latest in the world of canines," explains Deepshikha.
The show is on till December 3 at the White Orchid, Manyata Tech Park from 9 am to 7 pm.