Over 50 Beagles, from playful pups to seasoned show dogs, wagged their way to Bidhan Sishu Udyan in Ultadanga for the fifth annual show of The Beagle Club of Kolkata.
Unlike most dog shows, where Beagles compete with other breeds in the hound category, this event was dedicated entirely to them.
“Beagles are hardy, playful, and perfect for families,” said Jaidip Dasgupta, the club’s founder secretary, who says he brought the breed to eastern India some 30 years ago. “To hold a speciality show like this, the Kennel Club of India needs to see at least 40 to 45 Beagles signing up. Once we could show that, we got permission and now we are in our fifth year.”
Unlike most dog shows, where Beagles compete with other breeds in the hound category, this event was dedicated entirely to them.
Kumar Krishna Basu Roy, an executive committee member of the club who also runs Corona, one of the oldest pet shops in the city, agreed that the breed had become very popular. “The compact-sized Beagle is the Labrador of small flats. And not just as pets; Beagles are also being used by the armed forces as sniffer dogs now. Their small size allows them to easily slip under vehicles and objects during a search.”
Sanghamitra Hazra has three Beagles and two Great Danes at home, and had brought the youngest of them, Dan, to the show. “Beagles are naughty, especially compared to Danes, but there’s no turning away from those soulful eyes,” said the FD Block resident. “Our Danes and Beagles want to play together, but since one breed is a giant and the other is rather small, we are afraid one might hurt the other and we keep them apart,” she said.
Hazra wholeheartedly recommended the breed, especially for those with compact homes. “But you have to give them time and keep them engaged in activities. If Beagles are bored, they can get destructive. ”
The show was also an occasion for the dogs to meet their relatives. Chari, a five-month-old female, met her parents and sisters, although none recognised the other. “This is her first show. More than prizes, we got her here for the experience as her days are otherwise confined to home and park,” said Rwishav Ghosh.
The show’s judge, Pisit Peerapong from Thailand, was impressed. “Some dogs here are of FCI standard,” he noted. FCI is Federation Cynologique Internationale, the Belgium-based largest global federation of national kennel clubs.
“But a good handler is key and I find that lacking in some contestants today. A handler has to take time to understand the dog and build a rapport of trust with them first. Only then will they respond their best and perform confidently in the ring.”
The best in show title went to Subhargha Chakraborty’s Beagle.