Over three days, 1,200 entries of purebred dogs are set to represent 101 different canine breeds at the Black Hawk National Dog Show which will be taking place at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau.
The entrants have travelled from all over the country and will be working towards winning the coveted Best in Show title. There is also the opportunity for the most obedient of pets to compete in the Test C Obedience title. Judges from all over New Zealand and across the world will be making the difficult decision of who to award each prize to.
The event, which is being held by Dogs New Zealand, gives entrants the opportunity to find out more about other exciting initiatives including the Canine Good Citizen™ and Heelwork to Music (Dancing with Dogs) programmes and the show will be run in conjunction with 42 speciality dog shows that will also be held at the Dogs New Zealand venue in Clevedon.
The National Dog Show is Dogs New Zealand premier event of the year, and promises to be a spectacular parade providing fun and entertainment for families and dog owners/lovers alike with competitions, pet care and grooming demonstrations, trade stalls, dancing with dogs and agility displays to keep audiences of all ages entertained.
Wrapping up the event will be the presentation of the National Junior Dog Handler title with the winner representing New Zealand at the World's Largest Dog Show, the famed Crufts, which has been held since 1891 and will be taking place in Birmingham, England next year.
Dogs New Zealand was originally known as the New Zealand Kennel Club and was formed in 1886. The organisation is home to 5,400 individual members that are aligned with 285 of its affiliated clubs. It also sanctions 650 sports and competitions per annum in breed showing, agility and obedience.
Alongside dog showing, the organisation also has 52 affiliated clubs which provide training to domestic dogs and assists dog owners in keeping up the training with their pets. This is in affiliation with the Canine Good Citizen programme.
Dogs New Zealand holds the register for over 2,000 kennel names (licence to breed) with approximately 8,000 puppies registered per annum.
As New Zealand's largest organisation of dog owners it gives Dogs New Zealand collective bargaining power and a single voice to Government, the general public and other interest groups on behalf of dog breeders, competitors, trainers and owners.
Approximately 35 of the club membership is now involved in agility and obedience sports and competitions. The membership is also heavily involved in the provision of domestic dog (and owner) training for the public throughout the country.
Dogs New Zealand remains as the largest organisation of dog owners in New Zealand with a strong focus on healthy, active and well-mannered dogs. The breeding of pedigree pure-bred dogs across 219 recognised breeds remains as the core of its business and whilst the change of name to Dogs New Zealand will be reflected in its branding the history will be retained with the use of a common seal for pedigree pure-bred registered dogs.
If you are a member or wish to become a member of Dogs New Zealand (Dogs NZ) formerly the New Zealand Kennel Club, and your dog is also registered with the club, you can join with other dog lovers and participate, with your dog, in activities of Dogs NZ and associated clubs.
A dog registered with Dogs NZ has been registered by the dog's breeder. The breeder will be the owner or part owner of the dam (mother) and both parents of the dog will also be registered with Dogs NZ.
Therefore when you buy a registered dog, you will be able to know a lot about your dog, its pedigree and its breed - where it has come from, how it is likely to behave, what its temperament should be and other genetic characteristics.
If you're interested in finding out more about the organisation or visiting the Black Hawk National Dog Show, 2017, which is sponsored by Black Hawk premium dog food, it is open to the public at 9am each day and there will be a variety of trade and service stalls in the foyers and the marquee.
Ticket pricing includes $10 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 12. Under five year olds are free. A family pass (which includes two adults and three children) is $20.
The Black Hawk National Dog Show is set to take place at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau on 6th - 8th October 2017.
For more information, visit www.dogsnz.org.nz.
