INTERNATIONAL judges from Brazil and Sweden will add to the celebrations of this year’s 140th Mount Gambier Agricultural & Horticultural Society Championship Dog Show.
The rare opportunity is a first for the country canine event since its inception in 1879, bringing a special touch to the three-day competition, which kicks off on October 25 in line with the city’s spring show.
Event committee president and Mount City and Districts Kennel Club secretary Lyn Harris-Walker said the competition would attract around 500 participants, 150 more than previous years.
“The two international judges will hopefully give us an opportunity to showcase what dogs are like here in rural Australia,” she said, adding Queensland judges Ulla Greenwood and Neville Jackson would complement Brazil’s Daniel Rubio and Sweden’s Karl-Erik Johanssen.
“They will bring their own influences because of the different standard levels.
“They may also add another element of judging and they have to do a lot of homework beforehand.”
Ms Harris-Walker said the event boosted the region’s economy, attracting an estimated 900 people over the three days.
“It brings all sorts of breeds to the town which people would not normally see,” she said.
“The public is able to have a look, talk to the breeders and receive some important information which is incredibly valuable.”
While Limestone Coast competitors faced a slight disadvantage due to travel requirements for the top competitions, Ms Harris-Walker said there had been dogs from the region which had been named supreme champions.
“Competitors have to travel to compete, so keeping our local rural shows running is really important,” she said.
“New competitors may also only be able to attend the local shows and when they get to come to a relaxed environment where they are able to have fun, they are more prone to return.”
Ms Harris-Walker said she enjoyed the dog show atmosphere because she enjoyed the company.
“Dogs are able to socialise with dogs which they may never be able to meet without attending the event,” she said.
“The good thing about Mount Gambier is we have the beautiful grounds which are hired off the show society.
“It is an all-round great weekend for people as after the show they are then able to head down to Cunningham Reserve and undergo some agility training.”
The three-day event will start on October 25 from 11am to 4pm, October 26 from 8am to 4pm and October 27 from 9am to 1pm.
Visit http://dogfestmountgambier.info for more information.
Entries close tomorrow at midnight.
