Dog lovers in for a great time

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, December 25

Amritsar Kennel Club today held a dog show in which dogs of all breeds — from Chinese Shar Pei to Rottweiler, German Shepherd to huge but humble Saint Bernard, looked dressed up for a red carpet entry. The annual event has 250 entries pan India.

“This time, the dog show has judges from Australia, including Max Winch and Lyn Harwood. The winner of the event was a miniature schnauzer from Bangalore,” said Sumant Tuteja, one of the organisers.

“Many new breeds were brought for participation. This year, residents of district got a chance to see more new dogs and this will excite new generations to raise dogs,” he added.

The show had some of the most expensive breeds in the region, competing in different categories, showing their talent and skills, honed by professional trainers.

During the show, the dogs performed exercises that tested the teaching ability of the trainers, the dogs’ familiarity with the trainers and their ability to follow instructions as per the standard set by Kennel Club of India.

Amid protests from animal rights activists over cruelty towards dogs during breeding and commercialisation during such shows, Tuteja clarified, “The show aimed at encouraging dog-lovers to buy dogs of different breeds and to help them pick a good mate for their pets. The message was about the love shared between dogs and their owners.”

He insisted that the show was not a sport instead it promoted healthy bonding and animal care.

Tuteja said Amritsar kennel club had made efforts to restrict dog breeding to just once a year, to prevent cruelty towards the animal.