Valentino, a young Parson Russell Terrier, only 6 months old, shows his desire to play by asking his neighbor, a young dachshund. This Saturday afternoon, however, both are waiting to make their entrance on the red carpet of the ring of honor at La Canine, the international dog show in Poitiers, which continues on Sunday 20 October at the exhibition centre.
“We welcome almost 2,000 dogs over the weekend, but with different breeds over the two days,” confides Dominique Gré, member of the Territorial Canine Association of Poitou, organizer of the event. The event has existed since 1904 and the first editions then took place in Blossac Park. “This annual exhibition is internationally renowned and we are lucky that it is one of the most beautiful in France. »
Well over 200 breeds represented
They come from France, but also from Sweden, Norway, Poland, Switzerland and even Belgium, whether they are competitors or visitors, dog lovers are not wrong. “At the exhibition, we welcome breeders, but also individuals who would like their dogs to compete. For the former, a prize allows them to evaluate their animals and distinguish their breeding. For the latter, the question of desire is often the driving force, with the possibility of a bit of prestige for their dog at stake. »
But to get on the podium, the doggies must first pass the best of breed selections, which take place in the morning. “The afternoon is then devoted to the ring of honor where the eligible are judged in various categories: pair, couple, herd, breeding lot, babies, puppies, veterans … and then obviously beauty of the breed. Thirty judges are present to judge and there just over a hundred prizes are awarded.
Different races on the two days
If this Saturday gave honor to Shepherds (German, Belgian, etc.), Terriers (Fox, Jack Russell, etc.), Dachshunds and Hunting Dogs (Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, Spaniels, etc.), this Sunday will see Molossoids competing (Newfoundland, Saint Bernard , Doberman, etc.) greyhounds (Afghans, etc.), pleasure and companion dogs (poodles, bichons, chihuahuas, etc.) and Nordic dogs (samoyed, malamute, etc.).
An agreement that Jérôme Jacq, husky breeder in Lencloître (1), will not miss. “I have participated in this exhibition for more than ten years and have won many awards. This year I will present two female dogs, One Million and Ibiza (2). The latter, who is 12 years old, is in the veteran category and both are multichampions. The Poitiers exhibition is always a great moment for us, first of all because of its proximity, but also because it is well organized. We are welcomed there and the atmosphere is good. »
La Canine, International Dog Show, Sunday 20 October 2024, Poitiers Exhibition Centre, from 8:00 a.m. to 18.00. Catering and refreshment bar on site and free ride for children. Visitors: €5
(1) Breeding of Royal Siberian.
(2) Whose full names are One Million of Cool water and Ibiza of cool water from their original breeding.
