Drenched and tousled in the relentless rain stood hundreds of dogs, all ready to showcase their talents in an attempt to make their masters proud. And the owners, who guarded their dogs zealously, had to face the challenges thrown their way by the rain and mud puddles on the ground. From ferocious Russian-imported Rottweilers, to pocket-sized Chinese Chiwawas to German Shepherds probably worth their weight in gold (some costing around Rs 25 lakh), Putharikandam Ground in the city seemed to hold them all. In their 28th All India All Breeds Championship Dog Show organised by Trivandrum Kennel Club, the city saw 32 breeds of canines from all over the country lining up to compete with each other on Sunday.
“Thiruvananthapuram is yet to catch up with the canine trends. Hence, the competition has more Bangalore and Chennai breeders than from around here. But we have some who have spent around 5-10 lakhs for a dog from the city,” says N Vijayakumaran Nair, the treasurer of Trivandrum Kennel Club. Sitting in the judges panel are two canine experts Derrick Seownansoon and Jawinder Singh Pawar from Malaysia and Bangalore respectively. While the small breeds such as whippets, pugs and lhasa apsos who come under the ‘toy’ and ‘utility’ groups strutted before Derrick, Jawinder Singh winessed the strength and swagger of Rottweilers, Rajapalayams and Dobermans. Known for their ferocity and power, Rottweilers are banned in many countries including US. However, India seems to adore this black beauty, as in all their glory stood N number of Rottweilers on the ground.
“This year’s attractions are the Chinese Shih Tzu, the Chiwawa and the Siberian Husky brought from Kochi,” says Vijayakumaran.
Around 185 canines out of the 207 registered, participated in the competition. Competitions were held for each breed where dogs were classified into six breed classes - Minor Puppy (4 to 6 months), Puppy (6 to 12 months), Junior (12 to 18 months), Intermediate (18 to 36 months), Bred in India and Open Class, for dogs directly imported to India. The 32 breeds of dogs who participated in the show were categorized as toy, utility, hound, gundog, pastoral and working groups based on their traits and characteristics.
“Those who come first will have to participate in the finals and the winners will be named champions,” says Vijayakumaran.
Challenge certificates will be issued to the best dogs in each class based on the canine quality. Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, Bull dogs and Basset Hounds were among the other canine competitors. The champion dogs will be taken for the Best of Show Bred in India and Best Puppy in Show events.