Dog shows in Malta are waning both in terms of the number of entries and the quality of exhibits. It is no fault of the exhibitors but of overseas breeders, especially in England, who sell us dogs of a very low standard after being promised Heaven on earth.

Prize exhibits at the National Dog Show, Islington, London in 1869. Photo: Artokoloro/Quint Lox/Aurimages

Experts say some dogs are born to be on show and one can recognise the qualities right way: charisma, confidence and attitude. All things being equal, what separates a good show dog from a great one is personality, the experts say. Something you will not find here in Malta.

The purpose of conformation showing, according to canine societies, is to evaluate breeding stock. The dog’s conformation – its overall appearance and structure – is an indication of the animal’s ability to produce quality purebred puppies and that is what is being judged in the ring. That is why mixed-breeds and spayed or neutered purebreds are not eligible to compete.

Apologies to all pure-hearted mongrels out there. They are still stars in our eyes and the chances they are stars in other areas such as obedience and Rally-O or animal-assisted therapy. And never forget nose work because any dog with one – a nose, that is – can play.

The nose work industry, which builds on the dog’s natural instincts to hunt, has seen a lot of success, giving confidence in shy, timid dogs and to those having difficult backgrounds.