To the location of our next Hungarian exhibition in the series showcasing the world of exhibitions, we arrive in the western part of Hungary. We are in the "land of a thousand valleys," where countless valleys nestle among numerous hills. In the valleys embraced by the slopes of the majestic rolling hills, meadows stretch in some places, while brooks quietly flow in others. This view is enchanting… it almost calls to be painted on canvas…
“A thousand valleys. A thousand bends, a thousand hills, a thousand forest islets. / A thousand dwellings, white press houses, old wine cellars with iron-bound doors, fairy-like / valley bends… the blackbird's whistle sprinkles the landscape. The landscape which is / incomparable. The landscape that is unique.” The Zala Hills, which enchant and compel the traveler to return.
We arrive in one of Hungary’s greenest and most flower-filled cities, Zalaegerszeg, which lies on the banks of the Zala River, embraced by the picturesque beauty of the Zala Hills.
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The city, home to more than 60,000 residents, is a popular excursion destination thanks to its favorable natural conditions and its sights. Due to its rich cultural values and diverse events, a great number of visitors come to the city annually.
Zalaegerszeg is considered one of Hungary’s most flower-filled and greenest cities; for this reason, it was awarded the Golden Rose award by the Organizing Committee of Hungary in Bloom in 2008, and it received special prizes in 2009, 2010, and 2011 in the “Hungary in Bloom” competition.
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The city’s special symbol is the “Göcsej Tulip” fountain standing in the Main Square, which was inaugurated in 1985.
Among Zalaegerszeg’s natural attractions, we must mention the Csács Arboretum located in the eastern part of the city, whose protected 60-hectare area includes all native tree species found in Hungary. The protected area is surrounded by a 750-hectare forest, as well as a small lake and walking paths, making it attractive to nature lovers.
The Azalea Valley is located in the Lower Forest, the arboretum with a mountainous atmosphere, which gets its name from the azaleas found within it. From mid-May, the valley blooms, the wonderful azaleas and rhododendrons unfold their petals, thanks to which the valley dazzles visitors and tourists with its magical sight and scent. The Azalea Valley is freely accessible at all times.
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Zalaegerszeg is the city of the dog show. The dog breeders chose the landscaped green area of the Gébárti Leisure Center as the venue of the exhibition, which is located directly on the shore of Lake Gébárti. The impressive 31-hectare Lake Gébárti is the largest artificial lake in the area. The lake area is networked with walking paths, an outdoor beach is located on its peninsula, and its landscaped environment offers pleasant relaxation to bathers, water sport enthusiasts, and anglers alike.
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The dog breeders were expecting dog exhibitors and visitors at the dog show location, the green area of the Gébárti Leisure Center, from 7 am onward.
Ildikó Varga and her husband, Gábor, breeders of the "Danger Zone" American Akita kennel, recall the exhibition as follows:
We are returning exhibitors to Zalaegerszeg, beautiful results connect us to this venue. Unfortunately, after last year's great heat, the weather was not kind to us this year. The overcast sky, cold wind, and rain arriving towards the end of the program prevented us from taking a pleasant walk with our dogs around Lake Gébárti and admiring the beauty of the Zala landscape.
The program of the exhibition included the evaluation of 299 dogs by 7 judges' rings throughout the day. The evaluations started on time, and the afternoon program was enriched by an agility show. In addition, there was an opportunity for national breed assessments for breeds without ETSZ.
We entered two American Akitas in the exhibition. As Akitas, we can primarily report on judging in Group V. Judge Tibor Gellén has extensive experience in evaluating the appearance of breeds in this group. He not only examines how closely the judged dog approaches the standard but also considers the dog's handling. He appreciates it if the dog stands disciplined and calmly beside its owner during the evaluation, allowing teeth, body structure, and coat quality to be examined. A very positive aspect is that he clearly explains his observations to spectators and outsiders and justifies his decisions during comparisons.
Participation in the exhibition is tiring for both the dog and the owner, but many beautiful results achieved at exhibitions compensate for everything. Conscious preparation, practicing at dog school and outdoors is an extremely enjoyable and interesting task for us, and we are constantly working to maintain the results.
Despite the harsh weather, this day will remain unforgettable for us. Our own bred baby male, Armageddon of Danger Zone, achieved 3rd place Baby Best in Show at his very first exhibition.
Our male entered in the Champion class, Woorlock Fantó, after winning the breed and then the breed group, was chosen by the chief judge of the show, Mr. László Erdős, as the Best in Show winner, that is, the most beautiful dog of the day. We thank you for the recognition!
Our results:
Armageddon of Danger Zone: Very promising, Baby Best in Show III. place
Judges: Tibor Gellén, István László (BIS)
Int.CH Woorlock Fantó: Excellent 1st, CAC, HFGY-BOB in champion class, BOG and Best in Show I. place
Judges: Tibor Gellén, Béla P. Szabó, László Erdős (BIS)We would also like to thank the Organizers and the main sponsor, Belcando, for their support in the successful conduct of the show.
What we also find important to mention is that a recurring feature of the show every year is the competition for purebred dogs without pedigree and mixed breed dogs, which can be entered on site. This competition mostly attracts dogs living as family pets.
A short video report made by Zalaegerszeg Television about the dog show can be viewed here:
Congratulations to all exhibitors, and especially to the winners for their great achievements at the show!
Many thanks to Ildikó Varga and her husband Gábor, on behalf of the Danger Zone American Akita kennel for the interesting and detailed show report and the many beautiful photos, which gave us a glimpse into the “Colorful and Special World of Dog Shows”.
If you are a dog show exhibitor, or if you are interested in the world of dog shows, I recommend the author's official website, where the dog show calendars of recent years, the official 2020 MEOESZ dog show calendar, and all 2020 MEOESZ dog show recommendations in Hungarian and English will be available in the usual format!
Visit the official website of dog article writer and author Ildikó Vámosi:
Http://ildikovamosi.hu/
🙂 Thank you if you honor me with your visit! 🙂
