Up to 2,500 dogs legged it to Kerry yesterday for one of the country's most prestigious dog shows. This year, among the Norwegian elkhounds, great Danes, Japanese shiba inus, French poodles and German spit mittels and Dalmatians were entrants from Finland, Norway and Sweden.
The new EU pet passport system, which came into force two years ago, allowed more dogs to visit the show and aim for Irish champion points, Patsy Lawlor, Killarney and District Canine Club secretary, said. The system meant dogs and cats with proper certification from approved countries with a low risk of rabies no longer needed to be quarantined.
Overall numbers including entrants from Britain and from Ireland had grown this year with 2,220 dogs and 2,500 entries, Ms Lawlor said. There were also a small number of American dogs.
It is the 25th year and the 24th time ( foot-and-mouth caused the cancellation of the show in 2001) Killarney has hosted this important leg of the Munster circuit of Irish Kennel Club championship dog shows.
Alan McWhirter from Belfast was pleased with the performance of his bulldog - the judges awarded Ellie (21 months) best of breed. Along with points picked up in other shows, she was now halfway towards the points for the championship, he said.
