Who's top dog? Spain holds world contest

LONDON, June 23 (Reuters) – From small Dachshunds to very large Mastiffs, over 15,000 purebred canine from dozens of nations barked and preened in Madrid on Thursday, vying for awards on the World Canine Present two years after the occasion was postponed in 2020 as a result of pandemic.

Giving Lola – a large black poodle – ending touches, Spanish canine groomer Roberto Garcia stated crucial factor for his cost was for her to be blissful and cared for.

“Yesterday she had a spa tub, they dwell like kings,” he stated.

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The present options breeds as fashionable as Teckels, also referred to as Dachshunds, just like the one a Ukrainian delivered to the competitors, together with tiny Ukrainian flags.

“We’re blissful to be right here at this exhibition, which may be very prestigious everywhere in the world and the place individuals come from all international locations. And we’ve got overcome very arduous difficulties to come back right here,” the proprietor, who gave her identify solely as Marlene, stated.

A Customary Poodle canine is pictured on the 2022 World Canine Present, the place greater than 15 thousand canine from throughout the globe are anticipated to attend, at IFEMA convention middle in Madrid, Spain June 23, 2022. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes

Marlene, who stated she was from the port metropolis of Odesa, requested for peace for her nation which has been at struggle since Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion, which the Kremlin describes as a “particular navy operation”.

The occasion counts 250 of the virtually 400 breeds recognised by the Worldwide Canine Federation and can see the canine battle throughout 70 rings till Sunday.

Dutchman Philippe Maier, who travelled two days by automotive to get to the competitors, beamed at his canine’s first award. “He did what he often does, profitable,” he stated.

The general public additionally loved uncommon breeds such because the Peruvian hairless canine.

That is the third time that Spain has hosted the competition following the Valencia present in 1992 and Madrid in 1983. This 12 months there can be two World Canine Exhibits, together with the present one in Madrid and one in Brazil in December.