The Kennel Club of Nepal, affiliated with the World Kennel Union, organised the event ‘All Breed Championship Dog Show 2024’ on Saturday at Satdobato Swimming Pool in Lalitpur.

According to Prabin Chandra Bajracharya, president of the Kennel Club of Nepal, “This is the first dog championship show happening in Nepal with all international protocols met.” Bajracharya has been serving as a canine professional for the past twenty-six years and, since 2005, has been organising such dog shows all over Nepal.

Ujjwal Koju, a member of the Kennel Club of Nepal, said there were around two hundred dogs participating in the show. “Dogs were judged on the basis of their health, breed and how obedient they are,” said Koju. The owners brought their dogs inside the ring and made them walk with a leash tied to them. The judges then observed the activities of the dogs and decided whether to reward the dogs or not. As dogs circled the perimeter of the rings, the audience clapped to encourage them further.

Two judges checked which dogs met all the criteria. One of them, Dr VS Ravi from Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, India, who is the founder member and president of Anaimalai’s Kennel Club, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and also a member of Native Dog Breeds Speciality Club, Coimbatore. His career began 25 years ago when he exhibited his boxers at the Kodaikanal Dog Show in 1994. “It was my passion for animals that led me to complete my bachelor of science in zoology from Madras University,” he said. He fosters and displays dogs under the name ‘Topslip Kennels’.

The other judge, D Vinod Kumar from Bangalore, India, started participating in dog shows at the early age of 17, along with his brother. He fosters and displays dogs under the name of ‘Sanland Kennels’. Currently, he is the secretary of the Bangalore Canine Association.

Residing in Ekantakuna, Naresh BK and Alina Baskota, who jointly own a unique breed of dog named Neapolitan Mastiff, expressed their happiness at being a part of the show. “Our Michael won the best-of-breed dog award. We are truly happy,” they shared. They also expressed the vitality of such shows, which bring together many dog owners who share similar interests.

There were two rings, and five groups were in each of the rings. Two judges looked at their respective rings. In Ring 1, breeds such as German Shepherd (Long Haired), Neapolitan Mastiff, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky, St Bernard, Tibetan Mastiff, Labrador and more participated. Likewise, in Ring 2, breeds such as French Bulldog, Chow Chow, Pomeranian, Japanese Spitz, English Bulldog, Beagle, Labrador, American Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Dachshund and others were featured.

The dogs who won an award in their particular category were seen walking around with a medal hanging around their neck, and their owners were walking alongside them, proudly carrying a token of love. There were also stalls around the complex displaying dog foods and other dog accessories.

Another proud dog owner, Raj Shrestha, residing in Lazimpat, brought two breeds of dogs, and both were awarded the ‘Best-of-breed’ award. “Coming from such a distance proved worthwhile as my buddies got an award.” he expressed. Out of happiness, he was feeding his two dogs, one of the boxer breed and the other Chihuahua, much-deserved tasty treats.

“We are pretty happy with the turnout, and we wish to do more such shows in the coming days,” said Koju.