Dog lovers delight at show

Local Jan Juc fine artist Kiersten Walsh is exhibiting at this year’s Melbourne Dog Lovers Show taking place at the Royal Exhibition Building May 4-6.

Ms Walsh specialises in coloured pencil pet portraits and wildlife art including a fabulous body of works using dogs as the subjects.

The Dog Lovers Show has announced the first ever Common Woof Games in Melbourne May 4-6 as part of the annual Show program.

Taking place at the stunning Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, the Games will see a plethora of pooches from four corners of the globe competing in 11 popular fusion sports including, hurdles, discus throw, high jump, vaulting, barrel racing, basketball, soccer, weight pull, javelin dodge and more.

The Games will commence with a spectacular Opening Ceremony Extravaganza, hosted by Dr Katrina Warren, Kelly Gill and the Wonderdogs.

Farmer Dave Graham will then present the victorious canines with their medals as part of the Official Closing Ceremony in the Royal Canine Arena at the end of each day.

In another exciting first, Australian Working Dog Rescue International (AWDRI) is transforming the Royal Exhibition Building outdoor forecourt into a giant sheepdog herding zone for the inaugural Dog Lovers Show Sheepdog Speed Trials.

Recreating farm paddock conditions, these incredible rescue dogs will take turns at speed herding sheep with their handler and heats will run anywhere from two to 10 minutes.

Speed herding is a tactic used to protect sheep in emergencies, with an emphasis on low-stress stock handling, getting the job done as quickly as possible to keep animals safe.

Running from 9:30am-5pm daily tickets and information can be found via dogloversshow.com.au/Melbourne.