For 14 years the show has been a 'dogs' day out', but this year cats and birds join the fun
Dubai, UAE (March 3rd, 2003)
Thousands of animal lovers enjoyed a day of fun with dog, cat and bird displays, animal demonstrations and the famous dog show providing exciting drama during the Pedigree and Whiskas Pet Show at Nad Al Sheba Club in Dubai.
While hundreds of dogs of all breeds, sizes, shapes and colours watched or competed for the coveted Best in Show cups in the Pedigree Dog Show and Dog Competition, cats were on parade in the Whiskas Cat Tent and a variety of big and small birds sang their hearts out in the Twill Aviary Tent. This year’s show, held February 28, was the first time that cats and birds participated in this, the largest pet show of its kind in the Gulf.
Dog dexterity was the focus in the Agility Ring, which featured exciting and informative presentations by police dogs and their trainers from the Dubai, Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah police departments. Meanwhile humans, both children and adults, enjoyed the Craft Village, fairground games, camel rides, clowns, stilt walkers and catered food.
“We at Pedigree and Whiskas are very pleased to be hosting our 15th pet show in Dubai. The large attendance is a sign that people are eager to enjoy the benefits of pet ownership. Through the various activities and presentations at this year’s show, we have met our goal of encouraging informed pet ownership in balance with society’s needs and illustrating the many benefits associated with owning companion animals,” said Mariam Iskander, Category Development Manager, Pet Care, MasterFoods.
Just as Dubai has grown, so to has the pet show since the first competition was held in 1986. That year, there were just 134 dogs entered in the pedigree-only class competitions, while less than 1,000 people attended. Entertainment was limited and infrastructure was scarce. Instead of this year’s grandstand seating and elaborate show arena fencing, in the early years there was little seating and simple plastic tape to mark the show ring.
Although the show began in 1986, this year’s event is only the 15th because there were several years the event wasn’t held, including during the Gulf War.
As for other show history, the only named award, the Sheikha Hassa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum Cup – Best Puppy in Show, has its origins back in 1999 when Sheikha Hassa won with one of her dogs in the puppy class; she decided the next year to sponsor a cup for the best puppy in the competition, an award that has been presented every year since.
For the first several years, the show was held on grounds adjacent to the Metropolitan Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road. From there it moved to the Dubai Rugby Club and then on to the Dubai Equestrian Club before settling in its current location at Nad Al Sheba, the first site to offer grass, rather than sand, for the competition.
In 1997, the 9th year of the competition, the number of dogs entered had grown to nearly 400, while visitors totalled 10,500 people. Two years later, there were slightly fewer dogs entered, but visitors totalled 13,000.
Many of the show’s sponsors have been around for years, such as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Le Royal Meridian Beach Resort and Spa, both of which have supported the event nearly every year since its inception. The Dubai Kennels & Cattery and the Animal Care Centre, meanwhile, have sponsored the show for its entire 15 years. Other sponsors who have supported the event over the years include Petland Megastore, Channel 4 FM, Byrne Equipment Rental, Swift Freight International, Ace Hardware and Home Centre, Gift Express and DigiPhoto Studio.
The highlight of the show remained the famous Pedigree Dog competition, which drew nearly 400 entrants for the various classes throughout the day. Winners of the 2003 Pedigree Dog Show and Dog Competition included:
The Pedigree Best in Show Cup:
Dog Owner: Karin Cramer
Name of Handler: Karin Cramer
Name of Dog: Bella
Dog Type: Collie
Reserve Best in Show:
Dog Owner: Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid
Name of Handler: Jumaa
Name of Dog: Tyson
Dog Type: Rottweiler
Sheikha Hassa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum Cup– Best Puppy in Show
Dog Owner: Mohammed bin Rashid Khalafal Otiba
Name of Handler: Shandra Mohan
Name of Dog: Unzi
Dog Type: German Shepherd
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© Press Release 2003