Paw-fect pooches on show

HUNDREDS of purebred dogs of all shapes and sizes will pack in to the Bendigo Exhibition and Events Complex next month to compete in the Bendigo and Eaglehawk Kennel Club Dog Show Championships

The competition from Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 August will be composed of multiple championship shows, organised by the Bendigo Kennel Club, the Eaglehawk Kennel Club, the Castlemaine and District Kennel Club and the Australian Kelpie Club of Victoria.

There’s also an open show for the Boston Terrier Club, all of which will be held in the largest clear span exhibition space in regional Australia.

Helen Leech, secretary of the Bendigo and Eaglehawk Kennel Clubs and treasurer of the Castlemaine Kennel Club, said she’s hoping to get about 700 entries this year for the event, which forms part of a circuit leading into the Royal Adelaide Show competition in late August and the Melbourne Royal All Breeds Championship Show in late September.

“We’re looking at possibly 130 to 140 breeds per show,” she said.

“They all go into what we call groups – so we have the toys, the terriers, the gundogs, the hounds, the working dogs, utility, and non-sporting. There’s a huge variety.

“Every dog has a standard and they’re judged according to their interpretation of that standard. It can vary, but you’ll usually see a judge will pick a type and you’ll see what they’re after.”

Ms Leech said the weekend is a great opportunity for dog enthusiasts to get an impression of the particular characteristics of a vast amount of breeds, especially if they’re considering bringing a specific type into their family.

“This is the best place to come and see purebred dogs in Australia,” she said. “It’s the biggest show outside of Melbourne.

“If you want to come and speak to the owners or the exhibitors, you’re welcome to. They’re quite happy to talk to you about what’s good about their breed.”

Entry across the weekend is free, with further information available on the Bendigo & Eaglehawk Kennel Clubs Facebook page.