International touch for Malta dog show

The Malta Kennel Club is holding its fourth International Championship Dog Show this weekend when dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds will strut their stuff in front of top international judge Hans van den Berg.

The show will be held under the auspices of the Federation Cynologique Internationale.

Following the club's reciprocal agreement with the Kennel Club in the UK, the show will once again be a qualifying event for the prestigious international dog show Crufts 2004.

Due to the implementation of the Pets Passport Scheme, this year's show will also include entries from Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Sweden and Germany.

Five of the leading pet food importers will also be attending the show with stands for the public to see their range of products and discuss their pet's dietary needs.

Founded in 1948, the local club obtained its reciprocal agreement with the Kennel Club in the UK in 1951. In May, 1999, it became an associate member of the FCI.

The FCI comprises over 79 different countries in Europe, South America, Africa, Asia and Australasia.

The dog show will be held in the indoor court of De La Salle College, Cottonera. On Saturday, the show starts at 3 p.m. with the judging of groups one and two.

On Sunday, judging of groups three to seven will start at 9 a.m., with groups eight to 10 being judged at 2 p.m., ending with the award for best in show.

Mr van den Berg has agreed to give a seminar to club members on Tuesday at the club's premises in Rue D'Argens, Msida, at 8 p.m.