Imphal, Feb. 14: The first-ever canine show in Imphal evoked an overwhelming response today with more than 150 dogs turning up for the competitions.

The two-day show, organised by the United Kennel Club of Manipur, was inaugurated by family welfare minister Bijoy Koijam at the Polo Ground today.

The exhibition turned out to be a dog lovers’ delight with 16 breeds, including the indigenous varieties, adorning the show. While a majority of the dogs were German Shepherds, the other exhibits which trotted in happily included Dobermans, Dalmatians, Alsatians, Boxers, Great Dane and Labradors. Four local breeds of Awang Huijao and one Meitei Hui also participated in the show.

The response even surprised the three-member panel of judges from Calcutta-based United Kennel Club of India. Pankaj Banerjee, who is leading the team, said the response was more than satisfactory. “I have never found such a large entry in any dog show in the country”.

Besides the large number of dog lovers who turned up for the event, the VIPs also evinced interest. The family welfare minister, senior Opposition legislator Nimaichand Luwang and special secretary, home, S. Dinokumar Singh also brought their dogs to participate in the show.

Governor Arvind Dave and his wife made an unscheduled visit to the show, after witnessing a polo match nearby. They spent enough time to familiarise themselves with the different breeds.

The show aims at popularising dog care and scientific breeding of indigenous varieties. The organisers said indigenous breeds were on the verge of extinction and the show was organised to promote the local breeds. Thus, when only a few indigenous breeds turned up for the show, they were more than a little disappointed.

Banerjee said the local breeds were healthy, strong, nicely kept and looked good. He, however, said at least five generations of captive breed was necessary for the local breeds to enter the international breed chart. For this, cross-breeding should be avoided, he added.

On the concluding day tomorrow, an obedience show will be held, champion dogs and best handlers will be selected and cash prizes will be distributed to the winners.