The MVP Grounds on Sunday was packed to the brim with dog lovers, canines and pets of all shapes and sizes. From ambling Great Danes to prancing miniature pinschers, several kinds of dogs and other pets like marmoset, Persian cats and colourful birds had their day at the All Breeds Open Pet and Dog Show organised by Kennel Association of Visakha (KAV). Around 170 dogs of 30 breeds and other pets participated in the show. “The show was organised to encourage pet keeping as a hobby and also to promote ways for better pet keeping,” said M. Rajeshwar Rao, president of KAV. It was a charged ambience, what with dogs bonding with some and also trying to bite one another's tail off. There was also an underlying tension as some of them tried to exercise their power over the shy ones.
While the afternoon heat seemed to make many of them restless, with heads resting on paws they sat near the owners till they had to go into the ring. Some of the dogs had a whole line of cups beside them for winning in different categories.
A massive sized Great Dane received lot of attention for its friendly demeanour whereas the adorable pug was followed everywhere, especially by the kids!
Breeds
Among the various breeds of dog, one of the rarest ones was the Chihuahua. It is the smallest breed of dog and is named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. Another interesting breed was the New Foundland that was participating for the first time in the show. Known for their giant size, tremendous strength, calm disposition, and loyalty, the dog was the first of its kind in the city. Pugs, spitz, English bull dog, pekinese, Siberian husky and Labrador were the other varieties of dogs that had a field day at the pet show.
The dogs were judged on the basis of breed standards and given marks for maintenance, overall physical appearance, proportionate body, general health, gait and movement and other factors. A dog market prevailed at the venue with dog food, dog calcium syrups, injections for dogs, dog potions, medicated dog shampoos, and other doggie items.
