A rescue dog which had a sad start to life but found her forever home with a London family and a Dachshund doggy doppelganger from County Durham crowned top of the class in the Kennel Club online dog show last week
The Kennel Club online dog show, described as ‘cyber Crufts’ and launched to bring dogs and their owners together during these difficult times, is entering its third week after successfully running 14 classes which attracted over 18,000 entries. The ‘pawfect’ way to lighten up days spent in lockdown, the show is open to all dog owners with access to social media, with classes opening and judged on the same day across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Last week’s classes, open to both pedigree and crossbreed dogs, included Most Handsome Dog, Best Puppy Eyes and Best Dog Doppelganger. Winners included two-year-old Bilbo from Buckinghamshire who was awarded Most Handsome Dog on 21st April. His owner, Natalie April Ayris said about him: “Bilbo loves everyone and everything. He loves going to the fields for his walks, where he can run around at a full speed. He loves to spend his day with me at my grooming salon where he cheerfully welcomes everyone.”
Alongside Bilbo, Harper the Lurcher was crowned Prettiest Bitch. Harper was chosen from over 3,200 beautiful entries, including a seven-year-old West Highland White Terrier and therapy dog, Ivy, who works alongside behaviourist Roberta Gaiofatto to help aggressive dogs with their issues and to regain confidence. A 12-week-old Miniature Dachshund, Quincy, won the judges over with his Puppy Dog Eyes, while 16-year-old crossbreed Bracken was crowned the Golden Oldie.
Best Rescue class was won by an eight-year-old Eurasier called Alaska. Rescued from a pack that was left neglected to roam, Alaska came into her forever home in London severely underweight. Despite her poor start in life, Alaska loves people and the attention they give her and enjoys regular cuddles. Finally, the crown for the Best Dog Doppelganger was awarded on 26th April to Ms Stan from Stockton-On-Tees and her Long-Haired Dachshund, Monty, a perfect example of the saying ‘like owner, like dog’.
In the upcoming classes, owners are encouraged to upload and send videos of tricks and home agility courses, or to share inspiring stories for the class of Canine Hero, among others.
More information about the show, upcoming classes and how to enter is available on the Kennel Club’s social media channels and website. Read further information about Covid-19.