Article: Show dogs strut their stuff at championship event

Friday July 17, 2009

By TAN KARR WEI

Photos by SIA HONG KIAU

KEEPING a pedigree dog involves not only a big expenditure but also a great amount of attention and patience.

According to pet shop owner Alex Phoon, 32, it costs about RM100 to maintain a pet dog but the amount could be between RM300 and RM500 for show dogs.

Proud owner: Alex Phoon, 32, is all smiles after his Shih Tzu Annie came out tops in its best of breed category.

"We need to feed them the highest quality dog food and use better shampoos and conditioner," said Phoon, whose Shih Tzu Annie came out tops in its best of breed category at the recent Malaysian Kennel Association (MKA) All Breed Championship Show at the Setia Eco Park in Shah Alam.

Dog handler Edmund Tee, 30, said some dogs, like the Doberman he was handling, were easier to maintain.

"It only needs to be bathed once a week. Of course, we only feed it high grade dog food," said Tee.

The dogs itself were not cheap and some of those participating in the competition could cost more than RM10,000.

Pet groomer Jamie Sie, who owns a grey toy poodle from Taiwan, said they could cost between RM10,000 and RM30,000.

My darling: Sie holding up her toy poodle Charcoal, who was brought in from Taiwan.

Sie said grey-coloured poodles like her dog Charcoal could cost a bit more because they were rare.

At the holding stations, dog owners could be seen in full concentration grooming the furry creatures to perfection.

Some came armed with all sorts of apparatus and supplies like brushes, ribbons, and even hair sprays and hair dryers.

According to MKA president Richard Lee, they organised a few shows every year and this was the first time the association was collaborating with Setia Eco Park.

"We usually have about 150 entries but this time around, we had more than 200 entries, which is quite a significant increase," Lee said.

Don't mess with me: These bulldogs are in competitive mood as they attempt to outdo each other.

Setia Eco Park chief executive officer Koe Peng Kang said he was pleased with the turnout and hoped to host dog shows yearly.

"This is a healthy event where families can come together.

"It is also a good time for people to learn about responsible pet ownership and how to care for another living being," Koe said.

This article was taken from: The Star Online: Metro: Central 17 July 2009