What it takes to be top dog at the Royal Melbourne Show
If you thought it took WAGs a while to get red carpet-ready, spare a thought for the primping and preening that goes into getting these tail-waggers prepped for a chance at best-in-show glory.
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More than 3100 dogs, 190 breeds, and one ultimate prize — welcome to the world of the Royal Melbourne Show’s dog show.
The biggest dog show in the southern hemisphere attracts the best in the business, both in terms of competitors and judges.
“To come here and win a best of breed or best in show is very prestigious,” said Judy Oliver, of the show’s dog committee.
“We pride ourselves in having the very best judges in the world. To show under these judges is special. It’s a real gathering of the Australian dog community.”
This year’s crop of world-class judges include Norway’s Espen Engh, Ireland’s Michael Forte, American Vicki Abbott and Nemanja Jovanovic, of Serbia.
HOW DOG SHOWS ARE JUDGED
The Royal Melbourne Show’s dog show is divided into two sections — conformation and action dogs. Conformation looks at how the dogs measure up to their breed’s standard, while action dogs are judged on their skills.
Up for grabs in the conformation section is the prized title of best in show.
But first, competitors are pitted against others of their ilk to find the “best of breed”.
“That’s looking at the physical structure and their temperament and their condition as well,” Ms Oliver said.
“Each breed has a written set of points, which we call a dog standard.”
These standards outline the ideal traits the breed should have to serve their original purpose, such as being a guard dog, companion dog, ratter and so on.
“The judge is looking for the size and the shape of the dog, its ability to do that job. It might have a specific head shape or feet or build.”
Male dogs for each breed are judged first by age groups, and then the process is repeated for the females.
Best of breed winners then move into larger groups of dog types — toy, terrier, gundog, hound, working dog, utility and non-sporting.
The winners of those groups then vie for the major title — best in show.
“To win at a royal is the highlight of their showing year,” Ms Oliver said.
Previous best in show winners have gone on to successful campaigns overseas, including the prestigious Crufts dog show in the UK.
“Our top dogs are of world calibre, no doubt about it,” Ms Oliver said.
Action dogs are judged for their feats including obedience, jumping and agility.
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HOW OWNERS PREP DOGS FOR THE SHOW
The spoils are rich for the dog named best in show, with prizes including a year’s worth of domestic flights to attend dog shows and events, $2000 cash, pet insurance, dog food and a trophy.
And with a dog’s physical appearance a crucial factor in determining the winner, planning ahead is key.
“People will start getting their dogs ready to show at a royal a long time ahead,” Ms Oliver said.
“A terrier’s coat will start to be prepared months beforehand. They are constantly in the changeover so you want it to be peaking this week. They’ll have started to get their dogs ready for melbourne several months ago.”
Dog shows give a new meaning to pampered pooches, with some owners spending hours sprucing up their beloved animals ahead of their competition.
“They spend hours getting them ready — for something like an Afghan (hound) it will take five hours to prepare it for the show,” Ms Oliver said. “It’s a passion and a hobby.”
A team of 40 dedicated volunteers make the dog show tick, with many taking leave from their jobs to lend a hand.
See this year’s dog show at the Black Hawk Dogs Pavilion. The best in show winner will be judged on Saturday, September 28.