Napier and Wairoa Combined Kennel Clubs Championship Dog Shows a hit

More than 450 carefully combed canines competed in the Napier and Wairoa Combined Kennel Clubs Championship Dog Shows at the weekend.

The event, held at Hastings Racecourse, had dogs and their owners from all over the country take part in four all-breeds championship shows on Saturday and Sunday.

For the first time the Central Rottweiler Club champion show and the Rottweiler Club nationals were also held at the competition.

Napier Kennel Club president Carol Kerr said the weekend was fantastic with wonderful weather, well-behaved dogs and lots of spectators.

"Everything went exceedingly well.

"We've had a lot of public interest which has been lovely.

"It was fantastic, happy people, perfect conditions, no complaints."

It was also a highlight to have the Rottweiler competitions which added a unique aspect to the event, she said.

Seven judges oversaw the championship shows including two from Portugal and one from Japan who would be spending a day exploring Hawke's Bay before leaving. Central Rottweiler Club president Bill Patterson said everyone appreciated the beautiful weather and loved the grounds in Hastings.

"Thanks to Hawke's Bay for having us."

It was also great to be able to have some of the Rottweilers enter both events, he said.

There were seven dog categories in the Napier and Wairoa Combined Kennel Clubs Championship Dog Shows including toys, terriers, gun dogs, hounds, working, utility, and non-sporting.

The Central Rottweiler Club and Wairoa Kennel Association championship shows were held on Saturday and yesterday the Rottweiler Club nationals and Napier Kennel Club championship shows took place.

The Rob Ayley Memorial Trophy was given out during the Central Rottweiler Club championship show to the best imported Rottweiler.

Rottweiler enthusiast Rob Ayley, from Otaki, was one of 298 passengers and crew killed when Malaysia Airlines jet MH17 was shot down over Ukraine in 2014.

He was returning from a trip visiting European Rottweiler breeding contacts.