Pawsome — dog show a huge draw in Panchkula
The sixth edition of Dog Show at a ground in Sector 3 here was no less than a festival for canine breeds, breeders, dog lovers and pet owners.
More than 400 dogs of different breeds participated in the event, including German Shepherd, Huskies, Pomeranian, Rottweiler, Doberman, Bull Terrier, Great Dane, Spaniel, Tibetan Mastiff, Chow Chow, Poodle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua and whatnot!
Chand Behal, who has been grooming his Shih Tzu for the past over five years, was deeply engrossed in making his pet presentable for the competition. Imported from Philippines, it costs him close to Rs 20,000 a month to maintain that topcoat, which can grow to be quite long and is fine and silky, while the undercoat is soft and feathery. As far as the diet is concerned, Behal explains, “He (Shih Tzu) only eats raw chicken and rice. He has won many competitions in the past and he is trained to be so calm while I groom him for the competitions.”
Shifting glance from the tiniest breed to the big ones, one spots a brown and black Great Dane, named Hina by her owner Gurmeet Singh. “It’s her second year into these competitions and I have come all the way from Ludhiana to make her participate in this show. She looks excited. Unlike her huge built, she is a very friendly dog and gets along with my horses in the farm. I have had other breeds, but this is my first Great Dane."
About 2,000 people from tricity visited the event, which was organised by Royal Kennel Club, Panchkula, under the aegis of the Pet Animal Medical Centre (PAMC), Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, Haryana. While most of them were busy catering to their pets, pampering them with treats, keeping them calm and hydrated, there were spectators who were mesmerised with so many canines breathing and competing around them. Parents brought their kids and many were busy cuddling and playing with the pups of different breeds. Shyam Singh Rana, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, who was the chief guest at the event, inaugurated The Pet Ophthalmology Centre at the PAMC, Sector 3.
Ranjit Singh Jadon, District Deputy Director of the department and incharge of the centre, said, "The event was liked by dog lovers. Stunts performed by canines trained and recruited by the ITBP were highly appreciated by the attendees."
Meanwhile, the 5th and 6th championships were won by a German Shepherd, owned by Navdeep Nijjer, and a Pomeranian, owned by Alok Nanda, respectively. For the 5th championship, Siberian Husky of Jai Kakkar won the second position whereas Nanda's Pomeranian clinched the third prize. Nijjer's German Shepherd stood second in the 6th championship and a Rottweiler of Vivek Bansal secured the third position. Prizes were awarded to the winners.
