The three-day dog show at Belgachhia was a pet lover’s delight. There were rare breeds, common breeds, friendly dogs, cute dogs and then there were the visitors who couldn’t get enough of them. 

North Calcutta Kennel Club had organised the 42nd, 43rd and 44th All India Championship at the West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences in Belgachhia and over 300 dogs had taken part. 

 

New kids on the block

Prasenjit Chatterjee of Salt Lake’s BA Block had brought two rare breeds — a Tibetan Terrier named Peppy, that he claimed was one of a kind in the city and an Australian Shepherd Ajaex that he claimed was one of kind in the country. “Australian Shepherds are the only dogs that are born without a tail,” said Chatterjee. Indeed, there was the brown puppy, beaming at his owner but without a tail to wag. 

Debmalya Seal of College Street was handling a Welsh Terrier, Siberian Husky and the biggest head- turner in his stable, an American Cocker Spaniel, Luiz. “He’s been imported from Finland and is a thorough professional. Despite all the fun and games at home, today Luiz is a show dog and not a pet dog,” said Seal. So long were Luiz’s ears that they would sweep the ground if he walked about. So he wore a shiny green snood around his head to protect them. 

Size does matter

A Chihuahua, aptly named Puchku, sat cosy in Sofiaa Ghosh’s palm. “Don’t go by his size. He’s a greater guard dog than our St Bernard JJ,” said Sofiaa. “Whenever our doorbell rings, both our dogs run to the door. But while JJ has to stop at the collapsible gate, Puchku slips out and challenges the visitor face to face!”

Both her dogs are great friends with Puchku often relaxing on JJ’s back. “In fact, JJ was crying today when we brought only Puchku to this show,” said Sofiaa. 

All cameras turned to Chuck, the Great Dane, whenever he left his shed for a stroll. But he was as docile as he looked intimidating. Children even sat on his back and he gave them licks that started from their chins and ended in their hair. 

Another big dog was Sandy the Bull Mastiff, but she wasn’t competing. “We have just dropped by for a look this year,” said her owner Madhurima Das. “This year Sandy’s not taking part as she’s expecting puppies.”

No sooner had she uttered the word “puppies” than several passers-by turned to her. “Puppies? When? May I have one please,” asked several people in unison. But they all had to be disappointed as Madhurima said the puppies were already spoken for. 

Having a ball

Most of the dogs were enjoying themselves to the hilt. “Shadow loves people and his tail has not stopped wagging all day. Dog shows are like picnics for him,” smiled Sayani Chakraborty as her Cocker Spaniel tried to walk off to play with a child.

A Shih Tzu named Appy seemed happy to pose for shutterbugs. “She’s photogenic, likes to wear pretty clips in her hair and we’ve taught her to sit patiently for snaps,” smiled proud “mother” Aditi Ambre. 

Leo, a Lhasa Apso, not only played with visitors, but also gave them “high five”s. “He obeys commands like sit, stay and ‘give me a high five’,” laughed owner Abantika Das. “Tibetans consider this breed lucky and indeed I got a great job after Leo came to us. I’m sure he’ll be lucky at this show today too and I’ve already cleared a rack at home for his trophies.”

Ranjit Rajak, whose Dachshund Pilot was extremely friendly, explained that show dogs must be raised to get along with strangers. “Otherwise they may snap at the judges. So I’ve ensured Pilot grows up around people and loves them,” said the resident of Lansdowne. And if you’re wondering about the uncommon appellation, Pilot was so named because his father was called Captain. 

The best of show in the three rings were Prasenjit Chatterjee’s  Lhasa Apso, Pinaki Banerjee’s Doberman and Rana Roy’s GSD. “We are also planning an indoor dog show in summer this year,” said club committee member Amit Bose. 

Brinda Sarkar