Two judges came over from the UK to examine the 73 dogs which made up 173 entries.
The competitors were divided into seven different groups – working, pastoral, terriers, toy, hounds, utility, and gun dogs.
Kevin Cochrane, one of the vice-presidents of the Guernsey Kennel Club, explained how the judging worked.
‘Each dog has a standard to it and the judges are judging each of the dogs to what they interpret as the standard, they all follow that general line.
‘The judge goes over them, picks the one he or she wants above the others, and labels them first, second and third.
‘At the end, each breed winner, the best of breed, will go into the group judging to become best in the group, and it’s like a knock-out system.’
Porscha Rault, 16, was competing with her shih tzu, Mickey.
‘It’s a pleasure to be showing my own dog and to be the one doing all of the grooming.
‘Mickey knows when he’s in the ring because he puts his head up, he shows himself off, he really looks the part.
‘We’re all friends, all the shih tzus are related, his dad is over there. We’re competing against each other but really it’s just a bit of fun.’
There was a respectful hush in the David Ferguson Hall at Beau Sejour during all the heats – and not just from the dogs.
All the owners admitted to at least a few nerves, and Val Dowding, with Polish lowland sheepdog Hattie, said it was fun but tense.
‘I like showing my dog because I think being hands-on with the judges helps with their socialising, but yes I do get nervous.’
Camaraderie is the key component in the dog world among the humans.
Ada Simmons, 12, was showing Dexter, a Boston terrier, in the utility class.
‘Everyone is so friendly and we all know each other and get on really well. Dexter is very sweet, but it’s very nerve-racking and when you get in there you’ve just got to forget about everyone looking at you both and just focus on your dog.’
Kennel-maid Karen Seward emerged from the ring with a border collie winner, Les Nuages Queen Bee. She was showing on behalf of a friend.
‘You make good friends here amongst the people that are showing and also we’re showing the best of our breed to other people so hopefully they can see the best of the border collies that are in Guernsey.’
Tails were wagging all day long and there are no losers at the dog show, Mr Cochrane said.
‘All the dog owners believe they are going home with the best in show.’
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