BHIBANESWAR: Pet owners often take pride in showing off their huskies, golden retrievers, beagles, Labradors, Pomeranians and poodles, all of which are foreign dog breeds.
But on Saturday, Gourav Agrawal, a Class IX student, was in seventh heaven when his one-year-old dog, an Indian breed, won the first prize in the pre-beginner category at the annual national dog show that began here SATURDAY. .
Dog experts said that due to the increased awareness level among animal lovers, many are now choosing stray or Indian breed dogs as pets and with proper grooming and training, these dogs are good at agility and obedience.
“My parents were against keeping a dog as a pet because they thought I couldn’t take care of it. I picked up this beautiful little stray dog from the side of the road and hid him in my house for several days until they finally discovered him. I lied to them that it was a Labrador I got from my friend,” said a beaming Gourav.
“When I heard about the dog show, I asked the organizers to allow my dog to participate. They asked me to show it to them and after testing it, they allowed it. I am so happy that my dog won first prize,” he added. Next year, Gourav plans to take his dog to more competitions.
The all-breed championship organized by the Orissa Kennel Club attracted nearly 350 participants, including some of the best dogs in the country.
“People began to realize that Indian dogs are loyal and healthier companions and can adapt better to the climate. In addition, their breeding costs less than foreign breeds. There are many benefits to having an Indian dog as a pet. It is high time to document and standardize Indian breeds for their official recognition and popularize them,” said SR Prusty, president, Orissa Kennel Club (OKC).
The dog show will end on Sunday.
But on Saturday, Gourav Agrawal, a Class IX student, was in seventh heaven when his one-year-old dog, an Indian breed, won the first prize in the pre-beginner category at the annual national dog show that began here SATURDAY. .
Dog experts said that due to the increased awareness level among animal lovers, many are now choosing stray or Indian breed dogs as pets and with proper grooming and training, these dogs are good at agility and obedience.
“My parents were against keeping a dog as a pet because they thought I couldn’t take care of it. I picked up this beautiful little stray dog from the side of the road and hid him in my house for several days until they finally discovered him. I lied to them that it was a Labrador I got from my friend,” said a beaming Gourav.
“When I heard about the dog show, I asked the organizers to allow my dog to participate. They asked me to show it to them and after testing it, they allowed it. I am so happy that my dog won first prize,” he added. Next year, Gourav plans to take his dog to more competitions.
Develop
“People began to realize that Indian dogs are loyal and healthier companions and can adapt better to the climate. In addition, their breeding costs less than foreign breeds. There are many benefits to having an Indian dog as a pet. It is high time to document and standardize Indian breeds for their official recognition and popularize them,” said SR Prusty, president, Orissa Kennel Club (OKC).
The dog show will end on Sunday.