Swiss white shepherd Sky (Waroggi Maitreya), which placed Best in Show at the Malta International Dog Show by the Malta Kennel Club on December 1, with Marina Bystrova.

This week we had a canine bonanza. In a two-day event, spread over a grey and cloudy weekend with intermittent bursts of torrential rain, hundreds of dog owners and breeders, including overseas competitors, turned up with their dogs all ready and eager to compete. The event was the Malta International Dog Show, hosted by the Malta Kennel Club.

There are different types of dog shows, but the most commonly held in Malta is referred to as a conformation dog show, which is an event where pure breed dogs compete against each other according to established standards.

The most well-known dog show of this type in the UK is Crufts, while the one in the US is hosted by the Westminster Kennel Club.

This year’s Malta International Dog Show was held at the Cottonera Sports Complex, where participants competed for the internationally recognised Certificate of Aptitude to the National Beauty Contest (CAC) and the Certificate of Aptitude to the International Beauty Contest (CACIB). For Malta, this was a first.

Observing them, I found their patience impressive

Both certifications are highly desirable awards for dog owners and dog breeders, since they declare the quality and image of their dogs.

For the Malta show, dogs in the category of Puppy Class (four to nine months of age), Junior (nine to 15 months), Intermediate (15 -24 months), Open (over 24 months), Working dogs, Champions and Veterans (over eight years old) were judged by gender for Best of Breed, Best of Group and Best in Show awards.

The success of this show was unprecedented in Malta: 900 dogs, including almost 200 entries from abroad, competed during the two-day event. A record number of 97 breeds representing 10 countries, including Malta, were presented to four international judges.

The judging arena was a joy to see: from end to end, the main ring was carpeted in royal blue. Despite the number of dogs and people there, the complex was pleasantly noiseless. As with all similar shows, the judging was based on the type of dog according to the classifications recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), for example, sheepdogs, sighthounds, pointers, terriers, and so on –10 groups of dogs in all.

Hundreds of dog owners and handlers milled about waiting for their dog group to be called up and compete. Others stood watching the breeds that were already being presented. Dogs of all types and sizes waited patiently in their pens, boxes and cages. The younger dogs, not yet accustomed to the waiting as their older canine compatriots, frolicked within the confines of their leash.

Occasionally, a tiny dog would take umbrage at a considerably larger dog getting too close for comfort. Despite such occasional protests, all these dogs were clearly used to the waiting such dog shows require. Observing them, I found their patience impressive.

Each class of dog, from pocket Chihuahua to gigantic Newfoundland, had its own beauty and dignity, not least because their owners were regularly checking up on them and making sure that they were still in optimal condition.

For this purpose, the grooming room adjacent to the main ring was a hive of activity, with dogs being shampooed, dried off, combed down and rested. Due to the enormous size of some of the breeds and the space required to keep a pack together, some owners had chosen to pen their dogs in the grooming room and wait with them there. This aspect of the dog show is always interesting because of the varied breeds under one roof that we can examine closely.

During our course of work, we get to see myriad dog breeds; but breeds that have not yet been popularised in Malta are hard to come by unless we experience them abroad, so witnessing unusual breeds penned together is always a pleasure.

A vet’s presence is essential in case any dog becomes ill or injured or shows signs of contagion. The vet would need to give treatment in case of sickness and be prepared for clinic emergencies. With overseas dogs, vaccinations and health certificates might be needed and the vets are there to examine and certify accordingly.

On rare occasions, event committees might request that a dog be examined; if any dog is deemed to pose a danger to other dogs or people attending the event, they may ask for the veterinarian’s assistance to have the dog removed from the show.

Being a dog show professional takes years of hard work, dedication and determination. During a dog conformation show, judges are assessing the worth of each dog not only against those competing in the same breed and gender but also against the established parameters laid out for the specific breed.

Judges will observe, touch and handle the dog to assess physical characteristics as well as observe the dog’s behaviour for its expected attitude in the ring.

Those dogs that best match these criteria in the eyes of the judge will win awards. The best of the best will win the Best in Show.

The dog show was a pleasure. It was good to learn that Malta received several accolades on the international circuit – not only with local breeders winning awards for the high quality of their canine breeds but also with local dog handlers winning prestigious awards for their skills and local dog show judges achieving good recognition abroad.

It also felt good that the effort and devotion all those who participated give to their beloved canine companions had paid off at the end of the day.

thisweekwiththevet@gmail.com

Dr Martin Debattista is a veterinary surgeon.