Bhubaneswar, Dec. 11: Jaydarshi Nayak is very proud of his 22-month-old Zara for the German Shepherd has won an award at a three-day dog show that began on the Unit-I Boys' High School ground in the city today.

"I am very attached and possessive of my pet. Zara is a quick learner and recently won a dog championship in Calcutta as well," said Jaydarshi.

Apart from Zara, more than a hundred canines of the same breed from across the country took part in show organised by Odisha Kennel Club. Competitions were held in 10 categories based on the age groups.

The dogs were judged on tenacity, muscle power, attentiveness, smartness and obedience. One of the highlights of the show was an Schutzhund demo, which is a dog sport developed in Germany in the early 1900s as a breed suitability test for the German Shepherd dog.

"Through the show, we wanted to showcase how helpful dogs could be intelligently used in police work," said secretary of the club Subrata Ranjan Prusty.

A large number of dog-lovers and youngsters came to see the show.

"Many of the dogs were well-trained. It was a treat to watch their showmanship and enthusiasm," said 25-year-old student Ananya Mohapatra.

Over the next two days, championships for all breeds of dogs would be held at the show.

Dog owners and trainers from Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and others have come here to take part in the event. Dogs of uncommon breeds such as Afghan hound, Dogo Argentino (Argentine mastiff) and Alaskan malamute will be major attractions. Besides, breeds such as Doberman, Siberian husky, Chihuahua, Poodle, Rough Collies and German shepherd will also compete.