SA’s top dog takes on world
A Pekingese has been invited to take part in an international dog show, reports Nabeelah Shaikh
SOUTH Africa’s top dog, a pedigree Pekingese named Kinko, will be jetting off to the Netherlands to take part in an international dog championship next week.
He is the only South African dog to receive an invitation from the prestigious Eukanuba World Challenge.
Kinko has already won a number of different titles around the country.
This year, he was voted by the Kennel Association of South Africa national Dog of the Year.
Kinko, who was imported from the Sunrise Dragon Kennels in Russia in 2010 by Ballito breeders Anne Robinson and Joyce Tyrrell, is worth thousands of rand.
The two women are the only Pekingese dog breeders in KwaZulu-Natal.
They also own kennels and a pamper service in Ballito.
This ancient breed of toy dog originates from China where they are also known as lion dogs due to their resemblance to Chinese guardian lions. Originally the breed could only be owned by members of the Chinese imperial palace.
Kinko will be taking part in the “Best of the Best” competition being held at the Amsterdam Winner Show on December 13 and 14.
The annual challenge brings together top dogs from around the world and cele- brates the magnificence of pure-breeds.
“Kinko will compete in the toy category,” said Robinson, who added that he had been voted top dog in Cape Town earlier this year, competing against seven other breeds including gun dogs, herding dogs, hounds, terriers, utility dogs and working dogs.
Robinson and Tyrrell said that Kinko, who they spent hours grooming daily, was an extraordinary dog and they expected to return home victorious.
“Since we got Kinko in 2010, he has won so many titles – I’ve actually lost count.
“We are so excited to be participating in this international challenge and we are confident that our lovely Kinko is going to perform well,” said Robinson.
He leaves for the Netherlands on Thursday.