If day one at the Mysore Kennel Club’s 101 dog show was about the indigenous dog, the second day saw the priciest of creatures strutting their stuff on the doggy ramp.
The event showcased nearly 460 participants of 48 varieties of international and national breeds. While common breeds such as German Shepherds, Pomeranian, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Dalmatians could be seen everywhere, the event also received single entries of rare species such as Akita, Belgian Shepherd, Dogue de Bordeaux, and Newfoundland.
Chetan M. Gowda, owner of the only Newfoundland entry named Eddy, said that his dog required to be kept in an air-conditioning. “The huge amount of fur on his body demands continuous grooming and care. We also keep him in an air-conditioned environment as these breeds are accustomed to colder climates,” he said.
Competing in the furry category with Eddy were Saint Bernard and Siberian Husky breeds.
Abegail, one such Siberian Husky, could be seen cooling it off in a tent, with its owner spraying ice cold water on its body. Apart from caring for their dogs, the owners could be seen training the dogs to stand elegantly. Some even taped the ears of the Doberman breed so that they could give the perfect posture required.
Breeds of smaller body structure such as Pugs, Pekingese, Poodles, Skye Terriers, Chihuahuas, Beagles, with their friendly nature, got a lot of eyeballs. The miniature Pinschers kept their admirers at a distance, with their ferocious nature. However, the Great Danes with their sheer size and graceful movements, surprised the audience with their calm response to the surrounding.
Interestingly, most of the dogs that won the competition were either military or police trained.
