Show dogs have big day out in Gore

Carolyn Lewis (left) and Valerie Wells with their dog Jackson, one of the line of Shetland sheep dogs which Mrs Wells has been breeding and raising since 1972.

The judges came from far and wide which gave the annual Gore and Districts Kennel Association show a big boost on Saturday.

The show attracted people and their dogs from all over the country, with some quality animals on display.

Association president Sue Pinnow said it was a real standout show and people really appreciated the style of the judges, who all came from overseas — Melbourne, Thailand and Taiwan.

Hamilton Park was packed out with dog enthusiasts, judges and keen onlookers at the weekend.

It was a coup getting such judges to a place like Gore as some of them had toured all around the world, Mrs Pinnow said.

‘‘The way they view the dogs, the way they appreciate the dogs, just the knowledge they have is great to watch,’’ she said.

‘‘That is why it is great getting judges like this. They really lift the whole show and give the show a real buzz.’’

There were three sessions over the two days, with all three best in show winners for the three sessions coming from Canterbury.

On Sunday, a smooth-haired fox terrier owned by Jorga Dixon, of Christchurch, was the winner, while a Bouvier des Flandres breed owned by Teresa Lawrence from Temuka won the best in show.

The other best in show award went to a whippet, exhibited by Christchurch owner Debs Murch.

Mrs Pinnow said the standard was high for all sessions. Other dogs which were not successful over the weekend had previously won elsewhere which showed how high the standard was.

The judges and winners at the Gore and Districts Kennel Association Show last weekend at Hamilton park are all smiles. The judges are (from left) Phred Wong, from Thailand, James Camac, from Australia, and Ching-Li Liu, from Taiwan. The three best in show winners are (from left): Debs Murch and her whippet, Jorga Dixon and her smooth-haired fox terrier, and Teresa Lawrence and her Bouvier des Flandres herding dog. Holding the banner at the back are show manager Michael Bradley and association president Sue Pinnow.

The club should be proud of the weekend they put on and attracting dogs from all over the country, she said.

Another show was planned next year.

Mrs Pinnow said the enthusiasm of a small committee kept the annual show going.

gerrit.doppenberg@alliedpress.co.nz