Bow..Bow! Get a Visual Treat of Dogs at ‘Karavali Dog Show’, Nov 12-13
Mangaluru: If you happen to check into couple of the hotels in the city today, your bed may smell like dog- and that’s because couple of hotels in the city had more dogs sleeping in the rooms than human beings, and one such hotel is Hotel Kumar International, Suman Lodge etc where the top three floor rooms were occupied by dogs and their masters. And I had a great time meeting some of the dog owners, who had come down to Mangaluru from Goa, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Mysore to have their dogs take part in the Karavali Dog Show at Police Grounds-Mangaluru. As a dog lover and owner of three dogs- Daschund, Mixed Cocker Spaniel and Mixed Alsatian, I was very much excited to have a chat with the dog owners and looking forward to witness the show.
Who let the dogs out? Who..who? Whoof..Whoof ! It will be ‘Paw’ty Time’ today (Saturday) and Sunday, where Mangalureans will get an opportunity to see a wide range of dogs including some of the rare breeds at the national-level dog show to be held at the SP Grounds here on Saturday and Sunday by the Karavali Canine Club. Some of the rare breeds which will feature in the city for the first time are- Schnauzer, a dog breed that originated in Germany in the 15th and 16th centuries, fox terrier, descended from earlier breeds of British terriers and Tsang Apso, a Tibetan terrier, a medium-size breed of dog that originated in Tibet and Teacup, miniature or the miniature Pomeranian.
Addressing the media persons during a press meet, Prasad Aithal, honorary secretary of the club said, “Over 300 dogs of over 30 breeds from across the country will participate in the show. Four championship shows will be organized during the two-day event that will be judged by Heather Morrison from Australia, Stanely Sim from Singapore, T. Preetham from Bengaluru and D. Krishnamoorthy from Coimbatore. Our Club has been organizing such shows since five years, which has resulted in improving the quality of breeds in and around Mangaluru. The Club also intends to help and guide people interested in breeding ethical quality dogs.”
The dogs have already arrived in the City last night, and their owners are getting them all fit and trained for the big event. The show promises to be a treat for those who love canines. It would also be a Visual Treat to the spectators who can witness the quality range of dogs and the skills required to show the dogs in such dog show events. It will also educate dog lovers on the skills required to train dogs. The show is open for the public to view, with a small entrance fee.
Steve Almeida from Mapusa,Goa, who is also the Secretary and Treasurer of Kennel Association of Goa, had brought his three Boxers and one German Shepard dog to take part in the show. One of his boxer named ” Zawodas Anjeli” has been the Leading Boxer in India for the year 2013 and 2014. His German Shepard dog is taking part in a dog show for the first time. Steve doesn’t want to predict anything about his dogs winning, instead he said, ” May the best dog win!”. Anand Kumar from Bangalore, with his 7 month old Great Dane, bred in India and bought for Rs 2 lacs, had won the ” Best Puppy award” in the Kottayam Dog Show. Kumar is hoping that his dog will be judged the best here in Mangaluru too.
Raghu from Bangalore with his 24 month old pure Doberman named ” Arya” which he bought for Rs 50,000 has won many ‘CC” awards at various dog shows, including two awards at the Bangalore Canine shows 2013 & 2014. Surendra Manelkar from Mumbai, has come down to Mangaluru with his two Bull dogs and one Doberman-all these dogs are prize winners in the Mumbai and Chennai Canine shows. Lobo Jacobs from Bangalore, with his six dogs-Alsatian, Rottweiler and Bull Dogs, which are of 2 years, 18 months, 10 months and 11 months old have been very active and won many prizes in the past shows.
The dogs owners were equal enthusiasts. Canines of various sizes were combed and pampered to their best ahead of the contest. It was fun to watch the dogs perform little antics as they walked: they ran, barked at their competitors and had their day of fun outdoors. A dog show is like a beauty contest for dogs. There are more than 300 registered breeds and each breed has a specified breed standard as per international norms. While judging, the judge basically looks at how close to that breed standard each dog resembles. There are seven classes in each breed according to the age group. Among the winners of these classes, the judge will select the ‘ Best of Breed’, and ‘ Best of Group’. At the end of the day, all the ‘Best of Groups’ will assemble and amidst great excitement the judge will finally select the “Best Dog in the Show”.
