We have arrived at the first Hungarian exhibition in our illustrated series showcasing the world of dog shows. We are in Salgótarján, in the valleys of Karancs and Medves, the homeland of „The Good Palóc People”.
The interesting and eventful peasant life of Palócföld and the simple Palóc people living here also inspired our writer Kálmán Mikszáth, who transformed his observed and experienced stories into short stories with a touch of humor.
More than a hundred years have passed since Mikszáth’s time and Palócföld, including Salgótarján, this small Palóc town, has developed and changed a lot. Salgótarján became the center of Nógrád county in 1950 and today is also its largest city. Among the natural attractions around the city, Salgó Castle stands out, which lies in a uniquely beautiful natural environment and has been protected as a nature reserve since 1964.
There is an active dog life in Salgótarján. This is proven by the fact that after the successful closing exhibition last year, this year they will once again host breeders/exhibitors with a hopefully equally successful season-opening CAC dog show. The Nógrád County Dog Breeders’ Association, together with the well-functioning dog school, does much to improve the local animal-keeping culture. The dog show is a very good opportunity for exhibitors dedicated to this great dog sport to meet each other, driven by their love of dogs, and share their experiences.
The Dog Breeders expected dog exhibitors and visitors at the exhibition venue, the Lake Beach and surroundings, from 7 a.m.
“The organizers not only thought about entertaining the exhibitors but also tried to attract the wider public. In this spirit – primarily involving local “dog” organizations – they entertained the audience with various dog demonstrations, involving children as well. For example, one of the most popular programs was the police dog demonstration.
As a novelty at the dog show, a senior handler competition was announced for those over 30 years old, modeled after the junior handler competition, which was a hit with the audience. Although the judge gave the “brave” applicants a simpler task compared to the experienced junior competitors.” – we learn from Beatrix Pethő and her husband Imre, breeders of the “Black Jade Pakony” pug kennel.
For exhibitors, this dog sport is a great experience, and participating in the show is truly enjoyable; Imre reports on this for us further:
“Primarily, I can talk about the events of our own breed group, Group IX.
One of the largest, but definitely the most colorful and popular breed groups is Group IX, which includes companion dog breeds. For hobby animal keepers, without claiming completeness, here are just the most popular and well-known breeds: bichon havanese, bolognese, Maltese silky dog, poodle, Chinese crested dog, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, chihuahua, French bulldog, pug, Boston terrier. From judge Vilmos Kardos, who is deservedly one of the most respected conformation judges, we heard comprehensive, instructive, and enjoyable descriptive reviews.
Under an overcast sky, a cool breeze was blowing, which favored the black dogs, who made good use of it, moving lively and showing themselves well while standing. Not so for some small dogs, about whom it was hard to decide whether they were cold, scared on the table, or perhaps both.
We admired the long-haired breeds trimmed and groomed to a silky or cotton candy feel, were moved by the “tiny-footed” small breeds, or observed with a pinch of respect the confident, sturdy breeds of companion dogs. Unfortunately, quite a few exhibitors presented their dogs unprepared, which was truly unworthy of the high-level judging.
As part of the afternoon Best in Show gala program, two of the companion dogs took the podium: in the most beautiful baby dogs competition, a Boston terrier was awarded second place, while the title of the exhibition’s second most beautiful junior dog was awarded to a pug (who happened to be Beatrix’s – editor’s note).”
What we also consider important to mention is that a recurring feature of the exhibition year after year is the competition for purebred or mixed-breed dogs without pedigree, for which entries can be made on-site. This competition mainly attracts dogs living as family pets.
Photo gallery from the exhibition:
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- Keke's evaluation
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- Harmony
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- Waiting
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- Who will be the winner? – Pugs in the ring
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- Imre and Magic
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- Practice
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- We are attentive
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- A little rest – Armand and Oscar
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- Erzsike and Armand, the baby chow
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- Erzsike and Oscar, the black pug
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- A beautiful poodle in the ring
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- A beautiful moment
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- A beautiful papillon
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- A beautiful Cavalier King Charles and its owner
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- Waiting for evaluation
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- Black Jade Pakony kennel dogs with Imre and judge Vilmos Kardos
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- During evaluation
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- Black Jade Pakony Oscar at the exhibition
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- Chinese Crested dog winners
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- Junior BIS winners
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- IX. Breed group winners with judge Vilmos Kardos
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- The winners of the Senior Handling competition
The "World of Exhibitions" holds plenty of excitement for both exhibitors and visitors. László Bónizs gladly told us about their exhibition experiences:
“We also participated in last year’s Salgótarján CAC dog show and we like that the exhibition is held in a beautiful natural environment. Here in the valley, the air is very fresh and clean, and the autumn and early spring weather is also favorable for long-haired breeds.
Walking around the show rings, I saw beautiful dogs from many breeds. For the first national dog show of the year, 601 dog registrations were recorded, which is a very good entry rate given the current situation of Hungarian cynology. The Association presented very special programs that brought great joy to both the exhibitors and the visitors to the show.
The dogs of Group II were judged by two conformation judges, among them the Tibetan Mastiff breed was judged by Mr. Béla P. Szabó, including Pinschers, Mastiff type and Mountain type dogs, as well as several pastoral breeds.
Regarding the evaluations, the show was very successful for us. Our male puppy, Oroszlánszívű Richard iz Chentao Park, performed very well at his very first dog show and achieved 3rd place in the Baby BIS. We consider it important for dogs to get used to the world of dog shows already as puppies, especially in the case of a tough dog breed like the Tibetan Mastiff. We hope to return from upcoming dog shows with similarly good results. Within the Tibetan Mastiff breed, the Breed Winner title was won by Shiva VPOP Isshin, owned by Odett Vácziné Peres. I am especially pleased that the winning dogs in the Breeding Group are dogs of my old friend Péter Juhász’s "Edelénykerti" Kuvasz.”
Photo gallery from the exhibition:
The Ebugatta television crew also participated in the Palócföld exhibition. As a special feature, we recommend the video they made to exhibitors as well as to dog-loving people and families, since important topics affecting every dog owner were also included in the report.
Regarding a special dog demonstration – in which children also took part – dog trainer Csaba Gyetvai said: “Many people should learn to think like a dog.” This means, owners and masters should know what their own dogs need, they should also learn what behavioral method can be used to be consistent with dogs. Families should involve children in dog activities from a very young age. Children should be taught to respect and love dogs from as early an age as possible. Education in responsible animal keeping is very important; with this, a family’s ‘dog life’ will be complete.
One more highlighted thought, which are the words of board member Ildikó Sándor: “We do a lot to make people get to know Nógrád county, and within that, Salgótarján, so that they know there are enthusiastic people in Salgótarján, there are good opportunities, and it is worth coming here.”
The video recording made by Ebugatta television at the Salgótarján CAC dog show is available to watch:
This video features some moments from the exciting Police Dog demonstration:
Congratulations to all exhibitors, and especially to the winners for their outstanding results at the show!
Many thanks to Beatrix Pethő and Imre from the Black Jade Pakony pug kennel>>, as well as to László Bónizs for the interesting and detailed exhibition report and the many beautiful photos that gave us a glimpse into the “Colorful and Special World of Dog Shows.”
If you liked the article and found it useful, please share it so it can reach as many dog-loving people and families as possible! Thank you!
If you are a dog show exhibitor or are interested in the world of dog shows, I recommend the author’s official website, where you can find the dog show calendars of recent years, the official MEOESZ dog show calendar for 2020, and all the 2020 MEOESZ dog show Hungarian and English flyers 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! 🙂
