Mysore: Mysore Kennel Club, Bengaluru organized the 108th and 109th All India Championship Dog Shows here on Sunday.  nearly 450 dogs from 44 breeds from across the country  were seen at the Veterinary College of the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Science University here.

From the “popular” golden retrievers, cocker spaniels and German shepherds, to the “rare” Mudhol hounds, Siberian huskies, Maltese poodles and Jack Russell terrier, the occasion was an opportunity for dog owners and dogs to both showcase each other!  More than 200 of the entries came from outside Bengaluru.  M. Gopalakrishna from Chennai for instance had brought along with him seven dogs, including an Irish setter and ‘Bamban’, a pug which had been crowned a “national champion” in previous editions of the competition.

The dogs were undoubtedly the celebrities of the event, with numerous visitors gathering around to take photographs and selfies with the groomed canines.

Trotting around the rinks with their handler in tow, the dogs competed against one another in grace, upkeep, grooming, and mannerisms. The canines were at their picture-perfect obedient best, while the crowd were on their feet, cheering and howling through the competitions.

The  Winners

A total of 15 dogs from the Mudhol Hounds Research and Information Centre, Bagalkot, bagged more than 40 prizes at the events; the bulk of it going to ‘Chenni’, a veteran of four championships.

Breeders Arvind Raju and Mahesh Amale took home the top honours at both the championships, with their Great Dane being declared the ‘Best in show’ at the 108th and 109th editions. The Mudhol hound won the best Indian breed at both the championships.