Fast-paced action at PEDIGREE Dog Show

Media Release

For immediate release

17 September

“Fast-paced action” at the PEDIGREE National Dog Show

More than 1500 New Zealand dogs are in the final stages of training and preparation for the 47th PEDIGREE National Dog Show to be held Thursday 27 - Saturday 29 September at the New Zealand Kennel Club’s Exhibition Centre in Porirua.

The PEDIGREE National Dog Show, the premier event in New Zealand’s dog showing calendar, has three competitions: agility, obedience and the judging of the 136 different breeds to find the ‘Best in Show’.

“This is a great family event,” says Jeff Herkt, of PEDIGREE. “If you’re interested in getting a dog then it’s a fantastic opportunity to check out all the different breeds.”

Dogs of all shapes and sizes will be on show - from New Zealand’s most popular dogs, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, to unusual breeds like the Ibizan Hound and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

“All the events are highly competitive and the agility competition in particular is fast-paced and full of action,” says Mr Herkt. “Both children and adults find it very exciting – not to mention the dogs!”

A relatively new sport, dog agility has quickly developed an avid following. The dogs and handlers must run around a course and successfully negotiate up to 20 obstacles ranging from hurdles to tyre hoops, ramps, see-saws, tables, tubes, poles and long jumps.

All kinds of dogs - not just pure breeds - are competing in three classes: ‘mini dogs’ (under 38 cm), ‘midi dogs’ (between 38 and 46 cm) and ‘maxi dogs’ (all those above 46 cm).

Novice dogs begin at a starter level on a course involving tunnels, jumps, and poles. More experienced dogs tackle complex courses with elevated obstacles, more jumps and see-saws. They are also expected to complete the course at higher speeds.

“Fitness is really important – both for dogs and their owners,” says Clyde Rogers of the New Zealand Kennel Club. “The fit handlers can get more commands out without puffing!”

“Everyone enjoys the agility competition – as well as 127 dogs, we have handlers of all ages – from children to people in their seventies.”

Younger dog trainers will also get the chance to strut their stuff as part of the finals of the PEDIGREE Junior Handler Competition. Aimed at young trainers between 12 and 17 the competition tests the handler’s ability to control the dog and present it effectively. The winner of the competition wins a trip for two to enter the famous Crufts Dog Show in Great Britain.

Competition events at the 2001 PEDIGREE National Dog Show will run over all three days. International judges will judge the breeds on show and award prizes in seven dog groups: terrier, hound, gun dog, non-sporting, toy, utility and working. When all groups have been judged the top dog in each group will compete for the top prize of ‘Best in Show’, around 5:00 pm on Saturday night.

Event: The 2001 PEDIGREE National Dog Show

Venue: The New Zealand Kennel Club Exhibition Centre, Prosser Street, Porirua.

Public Hours: Thursday 27 September 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Friday 28 September 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 29 September 8:30 am – 8:00 pm

Ticket Prices: Adults - $4.00
Children - $2.00
Pre-schoolers - free
Family passes - $9.00

The Agility competition is to be held on the grassed area on Herriot Drive, Porirua and begins at 8:30 am on Saturday 29 September.

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For further information: Catherine Etheredge on 09 309 1494 or 025 276 9712.

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