This July saw a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed canine crowd and their owners congregate on the lawn at Dumfries House for the fourth annual Fun Dog Show. With competition categories for everything from Best Rescue Dog and Waggiest Tail to Best Veteran and Best Sausage Catcher (a particularly lively competition), there were plenty of opportunities for participating pooches to strut their stuff.

“We always strive to make it as fun as possible for the dogs, their owners and all those who come along to watch,” says the day’s organiser, Dumfries House’s own Louise McClounie. “The Estate is busy every day with people walking their dogs and the show is a family event we enjoy putting on. This year we were delighted to have more competitors and spectators than ever before.”

The award for Best in Show – which comes with the prize of a hefty 20kg bag of Husse dog food and a portrait session with Ayr artist John Fisher – went to Nero, a black 18-month-old Newfoundland from Auchinleck, who also took first place in the Best Condition category. “We live locally and visit the Estate to walk Nero every day, so it was great to have him take part,” says co-owner Gillian Bodys. “This is the first dog show we’ve ever entered him into – we were over the moon when Nero was announced as Best in Show.” Other winners included Shih Tzu cross Milly for Best Trick and Cockapoo Barley (with handler Lesley Glendinning) for Dog That Looks Most Like its Owner – always a close race.

The roster of exhibitors showing at the event included the Pooch & Purr Pet Hotel, Alfie’s Leads, local practice Armour Veterinary and Saint Sled Dog Rescue, a charity specialising in the fostering and rehoming of Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes – the Glasgow branch of which was the lucky recipient of all the day’s proceeds. With a record-breaking number of local residents, businesses and pups getting involved, the sense of community spirit at this year’s Fun Dog Show was nothing to sniff at.

Words:Ananda Pellerin

Photography:Lisa Boyd