Mangaluru: The Karavali Utsava grounds came alive with cheerful barks and wagging tails as dog lovers gathered in large numbers for a vibrant dog show organised by the district administration, zilla panchayat and the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services.

Dogs of various breeds captivated visitors with their confident gait, playful antics and striking appearances. Demonstrations showcasing obedience, agility and the bonding between pets and their owners drew loud cheers from the audience. Children, in particular, were delighted to see dogs dressed in colourful costumes, with some sporting cute accessories such as hair clips.

Champion Great Dane steals the spotlight

Among the major attractions of the show was Hunter, a 13-month-old Great Dane that travelled from Hassan for the event. Owned by Raghavendra, who runs the Hasanamba Kennel, Hunter impressed spectators with his size, composure and elegance.

Raghavendra also brought along a boxer and a Rottweiler. Speaking about Hunter, he said the dog had already earned the champion title after winning at the Kennel Club of India (KCI) show held in November last year. Visitors were seen stopping frequently to admire the Great Dane and take photographs.

Families and children enjoy the event

The show witnessed participation from families across the region, making it a lively and inclusive event. Three-year-old Viyoni Ishi attended the show with her mother Sneha from Someshwara, accompanied by their Shih Tzu named Maggi. Another participant from Kotekar Beeri arrived with Gucci, also a Shih Tzu, drawing smiles from fellow dog lovers.

Sisters Ashwini and Akshatha participated with two dogs — Bablu, a Pomeranian, and Sonu, a Shih Tzu. Their pets impressed judges and visitors alike with their grooming and calm behaviour.

Dr Divya Damodar returned to the show for the second consecutive year with Kaju, her mixed Shih Apso breed dog. She said her 2.9-year-old pet had won a prize in the mixed-breed category during last year’s event, motivating her to participate again.

Platform for socialisation and learning

For several participants, the event was more than just a competition. Asmitha and Brahmanand Kandlur from Car Street, who arrived with their Chow Chow named Tasha, said the show offered an excellent opportunity for their pet to socialise with other dogs and people.

Sanag Acharya was among the few participants showcasing a local breed. He arrived with Cheethu, a one-year-old desi dog, and received appreciation for promoting indigenous breeds alongside pedigree dogs.

Bharath Prasad from Jeppu brought his Caravan Hound, Shasha, to the show. “I want Shasha to get familiar with such events, which will help in future competitions,” he said, emphasising the importance of exposure and training.

Chow Chows draw attention

Raju attracted considerable attention by bringing four Chow Chow dogs — Romeo, Ria, Rosy and Ruby — to the event. He said that despite the breed’s long coat and preference for cooler climates, Chow Chows adapt well to apartment living when properly cared for.

The presence of multiple dogs of the same breed sparked curiosity among visitors, many of whom interacted with owners to learn more about grooming, diet and temperament.

Strong participation across breeds

Arun Kumar Shetty, deputy director of the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services, said the response to the dog show was encouraging. He stated that 230 dogs representing 29 different breeds were registered for the event.

He explained that space constraints at Kadri Park during last year’s show had prompted organisers to shift the venue to the Karavali Utsava grounds this year. “An elevated stage was set up to ensure better visibility for spectators,” he said, adding that the new venue allowed smoother movement and better crowd management.

Competition format and prizes

The competition was conducted in different age categories — three to six months, six to 12 months, and breed-wise for dogs above 12 months. Judges evaluated the dogs based on appearance, behaviour, obedience and overall presentation.

The overall champion of the event received a cash prize of Rs 25,000 along with a trophy, while winners in other categories were awarded prizes and certificates.

Conclusion

The dog show turned out to be a major attraction, bringing together pet owners, families and animal lovers on a single platform. Organisers said the enthusiastic response reflected growing awareness about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare and the joy that companion animals bring to everyday life.