The first ever German Shepherd Speciality Show in Thiruvananthapuram showcases dogs from across the country

The seven-hour bus journey from Coimbatore to Thiruvananthapuram was worth it for orthopaedic surgeon Dr PST Jambukeswaran. He witnessed his German Shepherd, EJ Belona, winning top honours in one of the categories at the German Shepherd Speciality Show at the Central Stadium on a Sunday evening. “His father was once world number one and Belona has won the all-India title twice,” Jambukeswaran says with pride, before he leaves for Coimbatore to report for duty the next morning.

There were many such happy faces at the two-day event held last weekend, which saw 142 German Shepherds from across India at the first-of-its-kind show for the breed in Thiruvananthapuram. It was organised by the German Shepherd Dog Confederation India – Travancore chapter.

“It was a dream-come-true moment for us German Shepherd lovers. There have been consistent efforts to get the Travancore chapter registered and to bring the show to Thiruvananthapuram,” says Kannan Rajeev, secretary of the chapter.

Kannan adds that bringing down Bernd Weber, renowned breed warden from Germany, as the judge was the icing on the cake. “He has several decades of experience and his vision for the advancement of the breed is unbelievable,” Kannan adds. The other judge was Indian breed warden and international judge Sanjit Mohanty.

The show was held for male and female dogs separately in six classes — mini baby puppy, baby puppy, puppy, young, youth and open, based on the age groups. While the first day featured long coat dogs [ones with luxurious, extended fur], the second day saw short coat dogs [dogs with dense, shorter fur].

The dogs were judged according to several parameters, ranging from dental configuration, colour of the eyes, proportion of body and strength to angulation and gait, besides the dogs’ reaction to gun shots.

Canines were brought in from Punjab, Delhi, Lucknow, Haryana, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Ooty etc. “Due to logistical reasons there was no participation from Kolkata region. Nine dogs came by flight; many others were brought via train and some by road, in air conditioned vehicles,” says Kannan.

For example, seven of them came from Coonoor in an AC caravan, while five dogs travelled from Punjab in train. “It was a two-day journey from Punjab in air-conditioned coaches. When the train halt at stations, they are taken out for a walk,” says Prathik Gowda, a dog owner and breeder from Bengaluru. Hardeep Singh Sarao, a Canadian citizen and trainer-cum-handler of Prathik’s dogs, says, “I have been working with the dogs since 2013. I come down to India whenever there is a show.”

The owners, handlers (those appointed by the owners to train, condition and prepare the dog for shows) and double handlers (those outside the show ring who assist the handlers by attracting the attention of the dog in multiple ways) we met at the show admit that they do share a special bond with their dogs. Prathik says, “They are working dogs and share a deep connect with human beings. We can gauge their feelings from their expressions. They are intelligent and adapt to different situations, including changes in weather.”

Jambukeswaran, who has 11 German Shepherds, all boarded in Coonoor, adds, “My association with the breed started over 18 years ago and it is not a business for me. It is more of a passion. They are extremely loyal, not ferocious and best guardians I would say.”

K Nagarajan, the 50-year-old trainer and handler from Coonoor, has been active in the field for over 35 years now. “I left my job as a banker to do this. I enjoy it. It is these pets that keep people like me healthy,” he adds. He and three double handlers, Madhu Krishnan, Karthikeyan and Dileep brought seven dogs — Grim Von Arlet, EJ Belona, Zack, Obert, Rolly, Della Beleno and Toska — who belong to three different owners, one of them being Jambukeswaran.

Owing to the hot weather, the show was held in the evening under the floodlights, which is unusual for dog shows. “That was a welcome move because the dogs seemed happy to be out in the ring under the lights,” Nagarajan adds.

The speciality shows are also the platform for dog lovers to bond and exchange ideas, says Prathik. “There is a great camaraderie among us German Shepherd lovers. We share knowledge, especially on improving the standard of the breed,” he says.

Meanwhile the Travancore chapter, which has a core committee with seven members, is planning to expedite its activities. For details, contact 9946022012.