Dogs of many hues and sizes at Mangaluru show

Dogs of many hues and sizes at Mangaluru show

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 13, 2016:  Reports prove that hundreds of canine lovers thronged Police Ground at Pandeshwar  in the city to witness the ’1st and 2nd All Breed Championship Dog Show’ held under the aegis of Karavali Canine Club on Nov 12, Saturday. It will also continue on Nov 13, Sunday/today.  ’Beauty’, all the way from Bangalore, a year-old Italian Mastiff was the cynosure of all eyes, being the only breed of its kind.

Stave Hopley, a former chef-turned-dog breeder from Bengaluru, said ’Beauty’ is one among seven mastiffs, besides ’Ice’ (Shih Tzu). He has not less than 30 exotic and different breeds at his house cum breeding centre behind Manyata Tech Park in Bengaluru. Like his wife Aisha Sultana Hopley, he too vouched for ’Beauty’ for her show quality.

Rajesh and Vikram of Mak Kennels, Bengaluru, the managers of Sharath Bagegowda, the main breeder, wanted to ensure all comfort to three species of dogs that they had driven in a custom-built ambulance with air-conditioning to the show. As the curious spectators watched, an Irish Setter was given a shampoo bath, followed by drying and make-up.

Another breeder Sunil Gowda from Bengaluru had a hairy Afghan Hound that ambled and jumped as and when the handlers moved, winning great rounds of applause from the gathering.   Anup from Sullia and Rajesh Poojary from Udupi had Caravan Hounds that had many mistaking them for our very own Mudhol. Yet, how can one forget Mudhol, with Mallikarjun and his friends coming all the way from Bagalkot with five fully grown Mudhols to the show.

Siberian Husky, Cocker Spaniel, Rottweiler and Pug were also spotted with their handlers giving individual attention. If that was about expensive and rare breeds, the ubiquitous German Shepherd Alsatians had occupied the other side, with their handlers competing with one another.  Heather Morrison from Australia and Stanely Shen from Singapore were the juries for the show.  Earlier, Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel kick-started the show by walking a dog into the arena.