International Dog Show

The International All-Breed Dog Show (CACIB) has concluded in Nuremberg. More than three thousand canines appeared before the discerning judges.

 

The day before the start

"It's like a ball, where everyone strives to show off their best side," says Sandra Thaler of the Nuremberg Dog Show, which starts tomorrow. Her Newfoundland is on display there. But Thaler appears unfazed and happily talks about her beloved breed. Newfoundlands are wonderful companions. These dogs will search for their owner in the woods if they get lost, or take children sledding in the winter. The Thalers' beloved dog sometimes tries to pull his owners out of the water when they're swimming in the lake. But the dog is no toy. "He's an animal that needs training," says Sandra.

Rescue dogs

Kristina Graf has a different goal. She intends to demonstrate to her fellow rescuers the limitless capabilities of service dogs. Mukhtars search for lost children and the elderly and identify potential suicides. A well-trained dog, according to Ms. Graf, can locate a person in a dense forest covering an area of ​​30,000 square kilometers in 15 minutes. A dog's sense of smell surpasses most technical devices. A thermal imager, for example, can detect hare tracks. However, in winter, dog handlers have a lot of work, as helicopters are grounded due to heavy snowfalls.

Kristina works for the rescue service on a voluntary basis. Her primary profession is as a business coach. Kristina completed a two-year specialized training course with her furry partner, Nino. They've been practicing human search and rescue training for five years now.

The atmosphere of the exhibition

The Nuremberg Exhibition Center is filled with four-legged beauties. Owners feed, groom, and groom their pets before competitions. The hall features stands explaining dog breeds. Visitors' attention is drawn to unusual characters. A tall woman, dressed in a short evening gown with a train, stands next to bikers. The exhibition was organized by the local branch of the German Kennel Club. Purebred dogs competed for the title of Franconian Champion and a candidate certificate for the International Champion of Beauty (CACIB).

Only the best dogs get to the show.

The event featured competitors from Germany, Austria, Hungary, Luxembourg, and Belgium. Nicole Kappes exhibits West Highland White Terriers. The breeder insists her pets are completely ordinary dogs. They frolic in the forest, roll in the mud, and swim in the lake in the summer.

"They play three hundred and fifty days a year, but they have to work hard once a month," explains Nicole. She only shows a few of her pets. Why? "Not all of them are good at showing off," she replies.

Participants' experiences

A large show with many people and their fellow dogs is stressful for animals, according to expert Barbara McClure. She judges 67 Labradors. The jury evaluates the dogs' appearance, disposition, and demeanor in the show ring. "A Labrador has a straight back. The chest is broad. The hindquarters are well developed. They have a very pleasant and friendly disposition," the expert explains. Labradors serve as guide dogs and treat children with serious illnesses.

Fashion for breeds

Along with Labradors, golden retrievers (74) and Rhodesian Ridgebacks (126) were well represented at the show. "These dogs are quite popular," explains show director Peter Schon. Advertising drives breed trends. Pets are charming. Some people fall for the advertising, which leads to tragic consequences. "After all, a cute, whiskered animal is still an animal," he notes.

Exhibition guests admired the fierce competition for victory among the four-legged participants and learned more about the specifics of caring for each dog breed.

Translation by O. V. Ryndina

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