Bendigo's dog show organisers look to future after successful event

Now in its 86^th year, the show is one of the biggest in Victoria with dog breeders travelling from all over Australia to compete.

Show secretary Carol Hobday said the number of entries this year was mindblowing.

"(On Saturday morning) we had 900 dogs go under the judges hands. Saturday afternoon we had another 900. There's 650 here (on Sunday) and we did 740 on Friday," she said.

"It's close to 3000 dogs under the judges hands over the weekend.

"It is positively huge. Even in the city for the big shows they're lucky to get this many dogs. The Bendigo shows have built up a heck of a reputation."

Bendigo and Eaglehawk Kennel Club's reputation has come after a concerted effort to invest in the dog show over the last 10 years.

The club's small membership makes its effort of hosting such a big show even more impressive.

"(When) we got a new committee, we all sat down and said 'what do we want?' We want to build the club and make something of the club," Ms Hobday said.

"The clubs had no money (and) over a period of years we've worked really hard fundraising around Bendigo.

"In 2007, when the fires came through, council wanted a concert on showgrounds on night of our show. They asked us if we would go into the pavilion?

"Well, it was a huge success because it was indoors, people could leave their equipment secured in the pavilion and the area was great for exhibitors. That was a turning point."

In the near future, the clubs are preparing to celebrate 90 years of dog showing in Bendigo.

"Because we're old, we won't be around in 2032 for the 100 years," Ms Hobday said. "So in 2022 we're celebrating 90 years and bringing in some international judges.

"We're trying really hard and certainly hope we have enough youth (to secure our future).

"As soon as we see a Bendigo entry (come in), we ask them to join our clubs. We have junior handlers, even tiny tots, joining in as well.

"We have 11 members all up and we run this huge event. If look around, all these (visitors) are staying here, eating in town, buying petrol in town and the motels booked out."

Ms Hobday, who has bred and show kelpies including famous kelpie Koko who played Red Dog, said showing dogs was a wonderful, social hobby.

RELATED: A Dunolly dog's tale

"It's social. You come out for the weekend, meet the same people (at each show) and have a coffee or a meal. It's lovely," she said.

"And you have the love for the breeds. Whatever breed you've got, everyone has a passion for their breed. Kelpies are mine, I love my kelpies."

Coralie Moya from Kilmore showed her Brittany dog New York at Bendigo over the weekend.

She has been showing since 2006 and said spending time with other passionate dog breeders was enjoyable.

"This was an activity I could do with my dogs on the weekend that was out of my comfort zone. I like a challenge and love dogs, always have," she said.

"I love spending the day with people who are passionate. There''s a bit of competition but everything is relaxed. (Bendigo is) one of those weekends that is organised so well that everybody has come."

Ms Moya moved from France to Australia as a child. She shows Brittanys and French Poodles, two breeds that link to her French heritage.

"My parents moved back when I was 18 and I was here on my own," she said. "I was a bit homesick, and my grandmother had them, so went for something that reminded my of home.

"Brittanys are French dogs from Brittany (in eastern France), they were used for hunting birds. We have had success overseas but in Australia we have won a Melbourne Royal Show one year and got some best of breeds.

"They're good little dog get along with everybody."