Doggy’s Day Out – All India Champion Dog Show, Bangalore

By Melisha Noronha - Bangalore
Pics by Aakash Poojari Polali
Daijiworld Media Network

Bangalore, Jan 20: It is said that every dog has its day. And Sunday, January 20, 2008 was definitely the day for over 450 canines at the KVAFS University, Hebbal campus, Bangalore where the Mysore Kennel Club conducted its 86th and 87th All India Championship Dog Show.

The show began with the inauguration with S T Ramesh, Additional Director General of Police and inspector General of Prisons, Karnataka, Bangalore as the inaugurator and Prof R N Srinivas Gowda, Vice Chancellor, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar was the chief guest.

Commemorating the Platinum Jubilee of the Club and the Golden Jubilee of the Veterinary College, Bangalore, the show saw the participation of over 454 exhibits of 52 breeds walk the ramp competing for top honours in the animal world such as Best of Breed, Best in Group and Best in Show. Apart from dog owners from Bangalore, there were 130 entries from across the country. Pet owners flaunting their wards and dogs strutting their tails in the air was a common sight. Each owner tried to show the other that his pet knew more tricks. Dogs on the other hand were enjoying watching other dogs and sniffing around. Just like humans, some got along well with the other dogs, while some welcomed the rest with growls.

While the show witnessed large participation from common breeds like the German Sheperd, Dobermann, Spaniels, Labradors, Retrievers and Great Danes, what left dog lovers awestruck were rare breeds such as St Bernard, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Schnauzer, Neapolitan Mastiff, Wire Haired Dachshund, Collie, Pekingese and Shih Tzu.

Pugs at the show seemed to be a hit among spectators while the Chihuahuas raised quite a few eyebrows given their very small size.

For the contest, each dog was required to walk before the judges to compete for the best in breed. “Each breed has a particular way it is to be maintained and here at the show, we judge them on various criteria relevant to the breed”, said Dr S Yathiraj, Dean, Veterinary College, Hebbal, Bangalore. Winner dogs get points that can help them compete for the prestigious ‘Dog of the Year’ title.

For the 86th show, the Best in Show winners were English Springer Spaniel (Nagaraj Shetty, Bangalore - I Prize), Boxer (Agrani Kennels, Bangalore - II Prize) and Great Dane (Vidyaratan, Meerut – III Prize). The best puppy at the show was Great Dane (G M Selvakumar) while the Best Bred in India was Irish Setter (N Reghuraj).

For the 87th show, German Sheppard (P A Suresh) won the I prize in the Best in show category followed by English Springer Spaniel (Nagaraj Shetty, Bangalore - II Prize) and Shih Tzu (Vetri Duraisamy – III prize). The Best pup prize went to German Sheperd (R Shyam, Bangalore) and the best bred in India was again Irish Setter (N Reghuraj).

The panel of judges for the day comprised of internationally acclaimed canine judge from India C V Sudarsan, Mrs Maria Rocio A De Vega and Simon Lu Sim from Philippines, both judges of international eminence in the field of canine sports.

Also at the venue were stalls that sold various pet care products from skin care to food items to pet accessories. For pet owners who love pampering their dogs, shopping was the word. Dog beds, chews of different flavours, colourful leashes, collars with bells were among the numerous items that were up for sale.

Another great crowd puller was the grooming stall that gave dogs royal treatment. Dog owners who could afford it, treated their pets to a good haircut, luxurious wash and some even went on to get stylish hairstyles.

The show definitely provided an opportunity for pet lovers to view breeds in action form across the country and fostered for exchange of views and opinions regarding present trends.

The Mysore Kennel Club, one of India’s oldest kennel clubs and the Premier Kennel club of Karnataka of Pre-independent India was started under the royal patronage of the Maharajas of Mysore. Being home to class canines, the club has been conducting such shows each year from its inception.

Also at the venue was the Third Annual Great Dane Championship organized by the Great Dane Club of Bangalore.