It was a memorable moment for both children and adults as they watched over 15 breeds of dogs showcase their talents at the dog show competition held in the city on Wednesday.
Over 120 dogs took part in the event, organised by SKS Pet Forum at St. John’s Vestry School ground.
Breeds such as German Shepherd, Labrador, Doberman, Golden Retriever, Pug, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Spitz, Cocker Spaniel, Jack Russell Terrier, Bullmastiff, Beagle, Bully Kutta (Pakistani Mastiff), Chippiparai (hound breed from South India), Pointer, Boxer, and Dachshund took part in the show.
Nine dogs from the Tiruchi Central Prison, Railway Protection Force, City police squad, and the district police dog squad also took part. Though they did not compete in the show, the dogs from the squad took centre stage jumping through rings of fire, crossing hurdles, and performing high jumps. The dogs displayed their listening and sniffing skills and performed instructions such as rolling over, eating food, lay flat on the ground, gave shaking hands with their paws, carrying bouquets with their mouth, and identifying narcotics.
Prizes were awarded to one or two dogs in each breed.
Dr. Chinnadurai, joint director, animal husbandry, Tiruchi; P.N. Richard, head, TANUVAS (Tamilnadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University) Regional Research Centre, Pudukkottai; Dr. Rajasekaran, Government Veterinary Hospital Palakkarai; S. Veerasekaran, assistant general secretary, SRMU (Southern Railway Mazdoor Union) and K. Balakrishnan, additional deputy commissioner of police, were the chief guests for the event.