Kottayam, Nov. 13 : Dog lovers in Kerala had a gala time this past week as they watched different breeds participating in a dog-show at the Nagamapadam Sports Complex in Kottayam.

Organised by the Kennel Club of Kottayam, the day-long event witnessed the participation of around 300 dogs.

Miniature Pinschers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Great Dames and pugs participated in the show. Pregeesh, a dog owner from Delhi, won prizes for his boxer.

The winners were selected on the basis of their performances, obedience level, health and purity.

Established in 1997, Kottayam Kennel Club (KKI) at Kanjikuzhy near Kottayam town in Kottayam District of Kerala is provisionally affiliated to Kennel Club of India. It caters the needs of canine lovers in and around Kottayam.

The club has been granted provisional registration and championship show status by Kennel Club of India (KCI). It conducts seminars and dog shows in Kottayam.

Kennel Club of India (KCI), formerly The Northern India Kennel Association, was started in 1896 to promote participation among individuals who are interested in canine.

Located in Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Kennel Club of India is affiliated to the Kennel Club of London.

It undertakes dog shows at national levels, issues various certificates and conducts diploma courses for canine lovers.

There are 38 independent clubs affiliated to KCI all over India. Membership to the Kennel Club of India is limited to 300. It also publishes a magazine called 'Indian Kennel Gazette'. (ANI)