The ‘paw-sitively’ fantastic annual Monte-Carlo Dog Show took place this past weekend on the 6th and 7th of May at the Chapiteau in Fontvielle. Impressively, the historical show that brings the most elegant and well-kept dogs to the Principality celebrated its 90th anniversary this year! 8 experienced judges from around the world were welcomed toMonaco to give their verdicts and closely review the 1364 dogs on show, which included 197 breeds of dog from 19 different countries.
The Monaco Kennel Club was created in 1927 by S.A.S. Princess Charlotte, who inaugurated the club with her two children, Princess Antoinette and Prince Rainier – the first ever Dog Show was held on the Terrasses du Casino. In 1950 presidency of the club was given to her daughter, Princess Antoinette, who is now also the Vice-President of the UK Kennel Club, until it was passed over to Elizabeth-Ann de Massy who continued her mother’s and grandmother’s creation. The Monaco Dog Show has had a long-standing reputation of excellence not only for the quality of the dogs on show but also the highly esteemed panel of judges, who are carefully chosen amidst the very best, which in turn heightens the shows appeal.
The Principality of Monaco seemed to be populated more by dogs than actual people over the past weekend, as many owners and breeders from neighbouring locations flocked into the area to attend this year’s dog show and show-off their lovely dogs. The location of the event was unmistakable, as the smell and sound of yapping dogs surrounded the Chapiteau, beautiful show dogs eagerly waiting to be petted and admired by the public of dog-lovers. The collection of dogs to be judged was of visibly high calibre; all sorts of breeds, sizes, coats and temperaments, each with defining characteristics and exclusive pedigree. It truly was a great destination for the Principality’s dog lovers. The biggest dogs on show were the majestic Great Danes that almost towered over their owners with their grand size; they looked almost as big as a horse!
The Monte-Carlo Dog Show is the first round of the ‘Mediterranean Trophy’ that continues in Marseille on the 8th of May and ends in Sanremo on the 19th of November. Some of the most spectacular dogs in the world will continue to compete against each other in the hopes of being the Best in their Breed, then the Best in their Group and finally win the coveted “Best in Show”. They are split in different categories according to age, breed, sex and the colour and length of their coat, and judged individually in terms of their morphology, type of dog and their abilities.
This years “special”, which refers to an event within the show dedicated to certain breeds that will be given special attention that particular year, was dedicated to Great Danes, French and Tibetan Mastiffs as well as Bulldogs, Bull Mastiffs and Newfoundland dogs. One or more of these breeds will have the chance to appear on the annual stamp issued by the post of the Principality of Monaco!
The owners and breeders of the show dogs are all very passionate about the event, like Nathalie Hochard who travelled from Bordeaux with her American Cocker Spaniel.
“It is a great passion of mine, I travel to dog shows every other weekend – it’s like a drug to me! Training and taking care of the dog is a full-time job, however you should never force the dog to take part in the shows, the dog needs to want to do it himself otherwise he won’t give a good performance”.
In honour of the Monaco Kennel Club and the International Monaco Dog Show’s 90th anniversary, the event organizers put in place a special historic event to commemorate this special date. The event was called ‘Best In Show’ and included all the winning breeds from the past 10 years of judging; the winning dogs were grouped up once again and judged in the “Ring d’Honneur” on the Sunday, to determine the ultimate winner of the past best breeds of dogs. This included the dwarf poodle, the American cocker spaniel, fox terrier wirehaired, the Alaskan malamute and the White Swiss Shepherd – all incredibly beautiful breeds of dog, it is easy to understand why they were previous winners.
Prince Albert II was present to award the winning ‘Best in Show’ dog, an elegant Miniature Schnauzer – second place went to an adorable Chow Chow dog and third place went to a beautiful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Be sure to check the historic international Dog Show next year if you’re one of the many dog lovers in the area!
