Every dog has its day at the big show

by Cherie Taylor cherie.taylor@dailypost.co.nz
From the smallest to the largest of breeds, hundreds of dogs and their owners converged on Rotorua for the weekend.

More than 800 dogs were taking part in the Rotorua All-Breeds Dog Show at the Rotorua International Stadium on Saturday and Sunday, with many taking home ribbons and prizes for their efforts.

Rotorua dog owner Ian Hewison took his beloved pet Huhu, the great Dane, to check out the action.

He told The Daily Post there were some real winners in the judging ring and when he was asked about an American study which determined many pure-breed dogs held characteristics of their owners - he agreed.

"They definitely look like their owners - look at mine. He's lean and athletic and a great looking dog ... seriously though, some dogs do look a bit like their owners. Just look around," he said.

Val Graham, who owns border terriers has also decided dogs and their owners can look alike.

"You just have to look at some of the Afghan owners and their dogs. It's very pronounced in the toys and hound-type dogs," she said with a giggle.

Karen Davidson, from Auckland admitted her beautiful poodle Cato, looked just like her, as she teased her pooch's hair with a comb and hairspray.

"She's gorgeous and just so lovable. You must admit we are both real cute," she said with a laugh.

Rebecca Holmes, a Warkworth owner of long-coated chihuahuas, said it was funny to see, with lots of dogs looking too human at times.

"They can pull some funny faces and look so human at times. Sometimes they are better than humans," she said.

Tash Pearce, from Hamilton is convinced her friend Trish Tribble and her pomeranian Bucca are more alike than most people will admit. "You just have to see them together. Bucca is so funny when he behaves like her. The faces he pulls, you'd swear it was her," she said.

Meanwhile, the Rotorua Kennel Club is impressed with the turnout of dogs for this year's show. Club president Lenore McVicker said there was a great number of entries with 814 dogs registered for both days of competition, with Australian judges picking the best canines at show.

"It's been an excellent show with lots of entries from the South Island this year," she said.

"Once again we have had lots of support from local businesses."

National president John Perfect said he was impressed with the turnout in Rotorua considering only between 600 and 700 dogs took part an a recent Auckland show.