Dogs strut their stuff at Kennel Club show

Preened, combed and blow-dried, dogs of all shapes and sizes took centre stage at Beau Sejour at the weekend, strutting their stuff in order to win the hearts and minds of the judges presenting them with rosettes.

With more than 200 entries from nearly 100 dogs, many of the entrants had qualified for Crufts and were excited to parade for the appreciative gathering that had come to the event.

Porscha Rault, 14, said her 17-month-old shih tzu Teddy would be going over to Crufts at the NEC in Birmingham in March.

‘I’ve been doing this since I was eight years old, so I’m not really nervous anymore,’ she said.

‘This is a practice run for Crufts in less than two weeks’ time.’

In total there were 96 dogs taking part across seven different classifications – gundogs, hounds, terriers, pastoral, working, utility and toy.

The show saw the dogs and their owners start by standing still in the middle of the green, the smaller dogs standing on a table, while the judges observed them.

Then dog and owner trotted around the low-fenced area, followed by everyone standing still to be admired.

This results in the judges giving the winning pets and their owners a rosette or cup.

This included two-year-old French bulldog Rey, whom owner Olga Deane said had done a great job for winning best of breed.

‘This is my third year, but for Rey it is her first and she did really well,’ she said.

‘I’m a bit overwhelmed to be honest, the competition here is always strong and it takes a lot to be able to do this and to win is such a great feeling.’

One spectator said she loved dogs, so had come out to watch.

‘It’s a great show and everyone’s really friendly despite the competitive atmosphere,’ she said.

Dogs as young as eight months old came for their first bite of the competitive atmosphere, alongside relative veterans of the event.

Ali Hamon brought her mini long-haired dachshund puppy Leclerc, whose kennel name is Cornish Cream Tea, for her first outing to the show.

‘It’s her very first time,’ she said of the eight month old.

‘Compared to my three-year-old dachshund, Stirling, who I also brought along, she is not that nervous.

‘Plus I’ve had lots of tips from people and that’s really nice.’