Three steps closer to global standard

The Kennel Association of Sri Lanka adopts new system for 79th annual All Breed Championship Dog Show

Shaking off controversy owing to the fraud case reported in 2010, the Kennel Association of Sri Lanka (KASL), under the visionary leadership of prominent architect and ardent dog lover Nela De Zoysa, is seeking new heights in achieving international standards at their annual much awaited dog shows.

This year's All Breed Championship Dog Show, which will be the 79th annual competition, will have, for the first time in Sri Lanka, three consecutive rings in operation.

For those of us who don't know the systems employed in these competitions KASL patiently explained that this would simply mean three consecutive rounds of competitions for the dogs and their handlers; each ring judged by a separate judge. In countries like Philippines four or five consecutive rings are in operation. Sri Lankan dogs and their handlers may face the added pressure of a longer performance time but this new system will bring the standard of Sri Lankan dog shows one step closer to the global standard.

Another added benefit of this system would be that if a dog is recognised by all three judges as exceptional, it would be awarded the title of "National Champion". Under the previous system this would take an exceptional performer three years to achieve, as only one ring would be in operation and the title requires three different judges to certify the performance of the dog at three different competitions.

Like a persistent dog, digging for his favourite bone at the risk of getting his coat muddy, the KASL too at the risk of much criticism searched long and hard for world renowned judges to mark their inaugural effort in operating three consecutive rings.

The Judges invited to adjudicate are all recognised by The Federation Cynologique International (FCI) which is a global federation of Kennel Clubs and one which the KASL is affiliated to. President of the FCI Asia Pacific Section and President of the Philippine Canine Club, Augusto Benedicto Santos III, known as "Dinky" among his peers will be one of the judges this year. He has judged in The World Dog Show 2013 in Budapest and has adjudicated in over 30 countries previously. Santos is also an avid dog breeder and is the owner of the "Sire of champions" in the Philippines who has sired 46 champions. Augusto Benedicto Santos III will be joined by FCI certified, All Round Judge Monique Van Brempt. She too started breeding and showing Dandie Dinmont Terriers and Scottish Terriers in 1973. Starting her judging career in 1980, she has adjudicated at many prestigious competitions such as "Champion of Champion" shows and has been a judge in over 41 countries. Monique has been no stranger to The World Dog Show competitions, having judged most years since 1995 up until 2013.

All rounder, Mirza Saif Baig from Pakistan will also be a judge this year. He has for the past 35 years bred, shown and owned champion dogs including his Long-Haired Dachshund, Demeter of Bartle. He has also been professionally handling dogs from 1975 to 1991 and has won numerous awards for handling, including the prestigious "Best Professional Handler" title at the Asia Kennel Union Championship Dog Show in 1985. He has been honoured by the Kennel Club of Pakistan, and among many other designations he is licensed to judge all breeds by the Kennel Club of Pakistan since 1992. A breed verification programme marks the commencement of the competitions on October 12 at 9 a.m. at the Sports Ministry Grounds. This will be followed by a Dog Handling programme at 11a.m. at the same premises.