Faithful, loyal: Purebred dogs compete in Madrid's World Dog Show
A woman grooms her Maltese at the 2022 World Dog Show, where more than 15,000 dogs from all around the globe are expected to attend, at the IFEMA conference center in Madrid, Spain, June 23, 2022. (Reuters Photo)
by Reuters
Jun 24, 2022 9:01 am
Spain's capital Madrid has been rocked by barking and preenings with the world's most beautiful dog breeds ranging from small Dachshunds to huge Mastiffs vying for awards at the World Dog Show on Thursday.
Giving Lola – a giant black poodle – finishing touches, Spanish dog groomer Roberto Garcia said the most important thing for his charge was for her to be happy and cared for.
A Chinese Crested competes at the 2022 World Dog Show, where more than 15,000 dogs from all around the globe are expected to attend, at the IFEMA conference center in Madrid, Spain, June 23, 2022. (Reuters Photo)A Standard Poodle is pictured at the 2022 World Dog Show, where more than 15,000 dogs from all around the globe are expected to attend, at the IFEMA conference center in Madrid, Spain, June 23, 2022. (Reuters Photo)
"Yesterday she had a spa bath, they live like kings," he said.
The show features breeds as popular as Teckels, also known as Dachshunds, like the one a Ukrainian brought to the competition, along with tiny Ukrainian flags.
Rosettes are displayed at the 2022 World Dog Show, where more than 15,000 dogs from all around the globe are expected to attend, at the IFEMA conference center in Madrid, Spain, June 23, 2022. (Reuters Photo)A Shih Tzu rests at a grooming table at the 2022 World Dog Show, where more than 15,000 dogs from all around the globe are expected to attend, at the IFEMA conference center in Madrid, Spain, June 23, 2022. (Reuters Photo)
"We are happy to be here at this exhibition, which is very prestigious all over the world and where people come from all countries. And we have overcome very hard difficulties to come here," the owner, who gave her name only as Marlene, said.
Marlene, who said she was from the port city of Odessa, asked for peace for her country, which has been at war since Russia's Feb. 24 invasion that the Kremlin describes as a "special military operation."
A Standard Poodle is pictured at the 2022 World Dog Show, where more than 15,000 dogs from all around the globe are expected to attend, at the IFEMA conference center in Madrid, Spain, June 23, 2022. (Reuters Photo)A Standard Poodle waits ahead of the competition at the 2022 World Dog Show, where more than 15,000 dogs from all around the globe are expected to attend, at the IFEMA conference center in Madrid, Spain June 23, 2022. (Reuters Photo)
The event counts 250 of the almost 400 breeds recognized by the International Canine Federation and will see the dogs battle across 70 rings until Sunday.
Dutchman Philippe Maier, who traveled two days by car to get to the competition, beamed at his dog's first award. "He did what he usually does, winning," he said.
Dog owners compete at the 2022 World Dog Show, where more than 15,000 dogs from all around the globe are expected to attend, at the IFEMA conference center in Madrid, Spain, June 23, 2022. (REUTERS Photo)A man grooms his Standard Poodle at the 2022 World Dog Show, where more than 15,000 dogs from all around the globe are expected to attend, at the IFEMA conference center in Madrid, Spain, June, 23, 2022. (Reuters Photo)
The public also enjoyed rare breeds such as the Peruvian hairless dog.
This is the third time that Spain has hosted the contest following the Valencia show in 1992 and Madrid in 1983. This year there will be two World Dog Shows, including the current one in Madrid and one in Brazil in December.
A woman grooms her Alaskan Malamute at the 2022 World Dog Show, where more than 15,000 dogs from all around the globe are expected to attend, at the IFEMA conference center in Madrid, Spain, June 23, 2022. (Reuters Photo)
Due to COVID-19, the event had been postponed in 2020.