Canines basked in glory as the dog show organised by the Mysore Kennel Club came to a close on Sunday.
With the last day of the two-day event being open to both native and foreign breeds, the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University grounds here had as many as 540 dogs vying for the attention of organisers, judges and dog lovers.
For instance, Venkataramudu’s entire family was spending their Sunday off at the dog show. Having been dog owners previously, his family chose to spend their day admiring man’s best friend. His three-year-old daughter was also seen suggesting to her mother, “Let's take one (dog) home.”
Others were there to not just show off their loyal companions but also meet those which were fulfilling this role for others. M. Rabindranath Tagore, who has five pets (a cocker spaniel, three of its puppies and a pigeon) said, “I grew up in the army (as his father was in the army) and we were always taught to respect all life forms,” said the manager of a three star hotel.
While there was an ‘obedience’ competition on the last day, two new events — juniors’ handling and ladies’ handling — were also held this time. The pets were competing in 218 ‘classes’ and were categorised into various schedules of breed classes such as puppy, junior, intermediate, bred in India, open class and champion class.
P.V. Yathinder, president of the Mysore Canine Club, said this year breeds such as the Belgian Shepherd Malinois and Groenendael had also made their debut at the show.
Winners Among the winners of the 104th Championship were an Afghan Hound from Bangalore, adjudged the ‘Best in show’, while the ‘Best puppy in the show’ was a Siberian Husky.
The 105th Championship winners included a Doberman adjudged the ‘Best in show’, and a Great Dane, adjudged the ‘Best puppy in the show’.
