Eketahuna Beagle impresses at Dog Show

Eketahuna's Amorine Ward with her Beagle, Manu - Best in Show for Sunday and Reserve Champion on Saturday.

With 380 entries, the Ruahine Kennel Association's two-day "Dog Dayz" show on October 15-16 at Dannevirke's A&P Showgrounds featured among the very best of all the breeds in New Zealand.

Some came with the highest credentials - New Zealand Champion in Christchurch, Australian Supreme Champion several times over - but Amorine Ward's Beagle, Manu, from Eketahuna beat them all on Sunday and was Reserve Supreme Champion on Saturday.

Manu just wagged his tail and did his best for his owner, trainer and breeder and was pretty puzzled by all the fuss. Amorine was pretty thrilled!

The weather on Saturday started well but by lunchtime the arena, tents, dogs and owners were pretty bedraggled.

There were more puddles than poodles and a number of entrants left for the day.

Supreme Champion (Best in Show) on the Saturday was a Shetland Sheepdog owned by Mrs KC Martin, and Reserve Champion was Manu.

Sun rewarded the vast majority on Sunday who saw out the previous night in their caravans and tents but a cool wind caused some gazebos to launch.

There were many beautiful dogs on display and the two Sydney and one Auckland judges were very busy picking best of breed and best of group.

In the end Manu took the top prize followed by a Bernese Mountain Dog owned by Mrs L Jury and J Walden, awarded Reserve Champion status.