Native breeds such as Chippiparai, Kombai, Kanni and Rajapalayam grabbed the limelight with their agility and stance at the 31st and 32nd All Breeds Championship Dog Show here on Sunday.
The annual dog show conducted at Gandhi Museum by Madurai Canine Club was a treat to dog lovers who came from several different States of the country. A total of 40 breeds were paraded around three rings from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A total of 253 dogs were registered from across the State, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka. Foreign breeds such as Afghan Hound, Fox Terrier, German Shepherd, Doberman, St. Bernard, Rottweiler, Pug, Golden Retriever, Beagle, Min Pin, Bulldog, French Bulldog and Bull Mastiff took part in the event.
The competition was divided into three rounds for each breed. Dogs were also adjudged in sub-categories based on their age. A ‘Best of breed’ dog was selected in each round based on their upkeep, health and movement and they competed in the finals for the overall trophy.
“This is the first time we are conducting the native breed contest in Madurai and it has evoked a good response from many parts of south Tamil Nadu. This is heartening,” said S. Ramanathan, secretary of Madurai Canine Club.
Mr. Ramanathan said Indian breeds piqued the interest of youngsters after the jallikattu protests in 2017. They have realised the importance of preserving native things, he said.
Dog owners from rural parts of Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari districts had brought ferocious dogs to the event. “Breeders in cities sell native breeds for at least ₹ 25,000 because of high demand. However, villagers end up selling them for a meagre ₹ 5,000 because they are unaware of the market trends. Events such as this will give them exposure and a chance to socialise with fellow breeders,” he said.
G. Nellaiappan from Sattur, whose dog won a gold medal in the junior category, said he gave special fitness training for his dog every day. “We do not feed the dog biscuits as advertised in the media. We stick to rice and meat and puree of carrots, potatoes, milk and eggs to improve the sheen of the coat,” he said. He rears 20 other dogs at his farm and said that many of them take part in shows.
Shijesh Joseph from Alleppey, Kerala, said his two Labrador and Pug competed at the event. “I come here because I love dogs,” he said.
Winners
The ‘Best in Show’ dogs in the three rings were as follows: A Boxer from Bengaluru, a Rottweiler from Kerala and Caravan Hound (Mudhal Hound) from Chennai.
