THAT’s one way to beat the heat.
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These hairless Chinese crested dogs have their own effective method of keeping cool and are relishing this warmer weather.
Owner Mandy Clancy, from Corowa, said Munro, who was runner-up in best of breed on Saturday at the Wodonga Kennel Club annual show, and Waggit who was best of breed, were at their best this time of year.
“They do tend to go a lot better in the warmer weather,” Mrs Clancy said.
“Because in winter they have their jumpers but they tend to shiver a bit.”
And there were plenty of ways the pampered pooches were kept cool at the weekend competitions.
With everything from electric fans and spray bottles to cool coats soaked in water and cool mats, the Wodonga Kennel Club’s Kathy Humphries said many were better looked after than their owners.
“They love the breed they have and being competitive,” she said.
“For some people they’re like their kids and they’re the most important thing.
“And they’ll sit out in the sun as long as the dog’s in the shade.”
Ms Humphries said there was a lot at stake for some of the competitors.
“Judges spend many years learning the standards of the breeds,” she said.
“Regarding the movement, how they’re built and what purpose they’re built for, can that dog do what it was intended for.
“It takes a lot of work to become a judge.”
Across the two days there were two championship shows and an open show held at Wodonga Diamonds’ soccer ground.
The shows attracted 436 entries on each day, with competitors coming from Melbourne, Sydney and Tasmania as well as from across the region.
“I’ve been coming for about 40 years,” Margaret Barras from Melbourne said.
“Country shows are so much better.”