A three-legged Labrador, a chihuahua in Superman cape and tights, and a dog whose tail wagged so much it could have doubled as a fan - those were but a few of the stars of a dog show with a difference on Saturday.
The Bay of Islands SPCA Mutley Dog Show at Kerikeri Domain is an annual excuse to celebrate man's best friend, especially those that wouldn't get a look in at a pedigree show but more than make up for it in personality.
More than 70 dogs entered this year, undeterred by the odd squall as they contested categories such as dog fancy dress, dog/owner lookalike, best trick, most obedient, best SPCA dog, shaggiest coast and waggiest tail. This year's judges were travel agent Trixie Newton and internationally renowned extreme fisherman Matt Watson of the ITM Fishing Show. The MC was lawyer and dog lover Rick Palmer.
A three-legged chocolate labrador named Bruno took out the most unusual dog title; Tui, whose breed was described as "a bit of everything", won the hotly contested personality-plus award; and shepherd-cross Oka blew away the opposition in the wag-off for the waggiest tail title.
The SPCA's Erica Richards said money raised on Saturday would help cover expenses such as inspectors' wages, dog food and the expected influx of unwanted animals in the upcoming kitten and puppy season.