Canine-lovers flock to All Breed Dog Show.

Byline: Shazia Hasan

KARACHI -- There were two dog shows at the Dawn All About Lifestyles. On the opening day of the exhibition there was the Dawn German Shepherd ChampionAship and on Sunday, the concluding day, there was the Dawn All Breed Dog Show. Both were held in collaboration with the Pakistan Kennel Club.

When asked why there was an entire day dedicated to German Shepherds and another to cover all other breeds, Imtiaz Shah of the Pakistan Kennel Club said that it was due to the fact that most pet dogs in the country happened to belong to that breed. 'Of course, there are many Labradors her too but the number of German Shepherds even exceed them,' he said.

About the All Breed Dog Show, he said that it was easier to keep a separate day for all the other dog breeds. 'We have registered around 25 breeds for the competition,' he said.

The contesting dogs, meanwhile, were having a tough time controlling their excitement. It was their day after all. Sky, a four-and-a-half-month-old off-white Labrador puppy also seemed to be modelling her little white and red printed woolen jacket and her black Labrador brother Bruno, wearing a bright red jacket was almost dragging his keeper to the competition area.

'There's also one day in a week where he is only fed water; it is very important to cleanse his system and keep him healthy'

Their owner, Hafsa, was also looking forward to the competition.

'Both Sky and Bruno belong to the same litter,' said Hafsa. 'We know they are both very young but they obey basic commands such as walking along the track with us or sitting when told to do so.'

Asked about their striking jackets, she smiled and said that she and her daughter specially go shopping for kids' clothes to fit the dogs. 'It is so cold. How can we not protect them in this weather by dressing them in warn human clothes,' she said.

Eight months old Alaskan Malamute Foxy with blue eyes also looked very smart and almost grown up. Asked if caring for him was difficult in Karachi's weather, his owners, Shabana Naeem and her son Muheeb Naeem Khan, shrugged and shook their heads. 'The only thing we need to take care of is shedding his heavy coat every once in a...