Owners cuddle their pet at the dog show in Patna on Sunday. Picture by Ranjeet Kumar Dey

Dog owners were in for an emotional surprise on Sunday as their “best friends” not only entertained but revealed a hidden aspect of their nature.

Bouncy, a two-year-old Pug, showed her crazy side to owner Rohan Anand at the All Breed Dog Show Championship as she barked at dogs bigger than her. Rajvanshi Nagar resident Rohan was quite amazed to see this change in the behaviour of his 10-inch and 6kg pet.

The event, organised by the Canine Club of Bihar at Bihar Veterinary College ground, helped Rohan and many others see their pets in a different light. From Pugs to German Shepherds, more than 200 dogs of 22-odd breeds put their best paws forward in the contest.

“I found Bouncy very aggressive. She usually never reacts like this. Seeing so many dogs of different breeds, she was acting as if she was superior. She even barked at a German Shepherd,” said a beaming Rohan. He added: “When Bouncy was nine months old, she had taken part in a show and won the first prize in the puppy category.” Bouncy’s nine-month pup, Simba, too, was one of the attractions being the only black pug in the event. “Black Pugs are very rare,” he said .

If the event was a revelation for some dog owners, others took the opportunity to spend some cosy time with their pets. Dr Rekha Sinha, an anatomist at Patna Medical College and Hospital, said she got to spend some good time with Stella, her German Shepherd. “Had this competition been organised on any working day, I would have taken leave and ensured Stella’s participation. She is one of my priorities.”

Some came with their dogs today only to have some fun. Dr Amit Kumar, a dentist, who took part in the competition with his 11-month-old German Shepherd, Bruno, said: “I have come here with Bruno only to have fun. Winning or losing does not matter, what matters is that Bruno got an opportunity to meet dogs of different breeds.”

On how the dogs would be awarded points, Bimal Shaw, one of the judges, who came from Calcutta, said: “Growth, body language and whether he/she is obedient or not, would be taken into count. If the pet scratches anyone or tries to harm any person, the dog would be disqualified,” said Shaw.

The best breed award went to Lesly and Anthony’s St Bernard, Rambo, while Rajeev Ranjan’s Tibetan Terrier, Sasa, bagged the prize for obedience.