Show time for canines in Katikati

Show manager Michele Reichmuth with retired show dog Drum, a German short-haired pointer.

The popular dog show is back with canines of all types being showcased in Katikati this weekend when the Tauranga Kennel Association hosts its Championship Shows, in conjunction with the Bay of Plenty Gundog Show Society, at the Uretara Domain.

More than 500 dogs of numerous breeds will be involved in the shows, from the big utility breeds, leonbergers and St Bernards, to terriers, toys, chihuahuas, maltese and poodles to hounds, gundogs and non-sporting dogs, with over 100 dogs in the Bay of Plenty Gundog Specialty Show.

An unusual entry in the non-sporting class is a rare xoloitzcuintle puppy (pronounced 'show low eats qweent lee'), which is a mainly hairless breed.

And a bichon frise dog that is representing New Zealand in the Eukanuba World Challenge in Amsterdam will be there.

International judges are travelling from Australia, Canada and Thailand. Show manager Michele Reichmuth said this would be the first appointment in New Zealand for all of them.

"We try to bring new faces who haven't been here before to see the dogs to compare them with other dogs around the world."

Karen Harrison is the New Zealand judge.

Exhibitors come from all over the country to the compete in the shows with six rings running over the three days.

Saturday is the specialty shows, including two gundog championship shows, toy specialty, pomeranian specialty and chihuahua ribbon parade - one is the North Island St Bernard Association's 31st Championship Show which has 27 entries - one of them won the National Dog Show in Christchurch, and the Newfoundland and leonberger specialty shows.

Sunday is the start of the All Breeds Championship Show which includes toys, gundogs, utility and non-sporting and Monday will be terriers, hounds, working and Best in Show.

Of the seven groups, the best of the group winner will be selected, with the top seven dogs going through to the finals on Monday, for the international judges to select Best in Show.

Michele said the exhibitors were raving about the venue which was an ideal location for a two to three-day event and it brought revenue to the town.

"Katikati will reap the rewards with the judges and exhibitors staying in town, people shopping here and at the Friday market, so everyone gets a kickback."

The show is the best place to come to learn about the dog breeds and ask the breeders about traits and whether that breed is suitable for their lifestyle.

Katikati and Tauranga Vets are their on-call vets and the main sponsors are Nutrience Grain Free. Stallholders will be on-site with coffee and food and there are toilet facilities.

The event runs over three days starting Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday 8.30am-5pm, Monday 8.30am-3pm. Entry is free to the public.

Schedule:

Specialty shows Saturday
* 9am - St Bernard
* 9am - Gundogs
* 9.30am - Chihuahua
* 10am - Pomeranian
* 11am - Leonberger
* 11am - Gundogs
* 1pm - Toys
* 1pm - Newfoundland

Sunday
* All Breeds
* Best in Show

Monday
* Best in Show Finals