Close to 200 breeds of dogs in various sizes and colours vied with one another for attention at the third annual dog show organised by the Canine Club of Kochi at Jawaharlal Nehru International stadium in Kaloor.
Crowds thronged the venue to see their favourite breed perform. From the 900-gm Chihuahua to the 120-kg colossal Saint Bernard, the show was a visual treat for all dog lovers. The Chihuahua stole the limelight as their owners paraded them in their arms letting them play occasionally with the kids. The exotic Siberian Husky that costs around `3 lakh was second to none when it came to grabbing attention with its mesmerising and penetrating glances.
Pet dogs from across the country were present. “Almost all the dogs have contested in various contests and can be considered champions,” says Vineeth R Menon, show secretary. Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Pug-dogs were present in plenty. The thick blonde locks of the Retrievers were irresistible to onlookers as they all took turns petting them. There are many imported dogs as well as dogs bred in India. Participants from Tamil Nadu, Calcutta, Punjab have come and there is an estimated 40-odd breeds at the event.The price range roughly starts from `10,000 upwards and prices vary as per their lineage” said Rudradas, a participant and a member of the show committee.
Even as the owners and caretakers tried their best to keep the dogs under control, the crowds were full of enthusiasm to go near them. The organisers also took adequate measures to make sure that the dogs had all paramedical facilities on stand by.
“The warm weather and crowds are likely to make the dogs fairly uncomfortable. We have all the necessary resources if any one of them suffers from a heatstroke or dehydration.” said Dr Sunil from the District Veterinary hospital with a confident smile.
The Great Dane which amused itself chewing on a football and the pugs that nibbled on squeaky bones captured the hearts and minds of Kochi’s dog lovers irrespective of age. The dog show which concluded on Sunday was an exciting platform for dog lovers and children.