Colossal Caucasian Shepherd Steals Spotlight at Trinidad Dog Show Sponsored by The Pet Food Institute – Caribbean

Giant Kuakasischer Ovtcharka Commands Attention, Beagle Wins Best in Show at The Independent Kennel Club -Trinidad and Tobago 2016 All Breed Championship

While a regal beagle ultimately trotted away with the title “Best in Show” at The Independent Kennel Club -Trinidad and Tobago 2016 All Breed Championship Show June 26, an enormous Caucasian Shepherd grabbed his fair share of attention when he strolled into the Woodbrook Youth Facility in Port of Spain.

“It was rare to see a breed with such impressive stature here in Trinidad,” said Independent Kennel Club – Trinidad & Tobago representative Jared Subhaw, adding that the Russian breed can reach up to 30 inches in height and weigh in at 130 pounds or more. “He definitely turned a lot of heads.”

Sponsored by The Pet Food Institute-Caribbean (PFI), a non-profit organization that promotes initiatives to advance pet nutrition and the overall quality of pet food in The Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos and Jamaica, the championship show featured 60 canines competing for top dog in five categories: Terrier, Companion, Hunting, Sheep and Working. Karen Shivers, who holds a conformation judge’s license with the American Kennel Club, was judge for this year’s showcase.

“The Pet Food Institute is proud to be a part of this international event which highlights a wide variety of breeds and, importantly, healthy and happy pets,” said Mary Emma Young, Director of Communications for PFI. “Our goal is for every pet in the Caribbean to be just as healthy as those championship dogs.”

In addition to the admirable array of agility and showmanship in the top five groups, Subhaw was pleased to see so many young dog lovers participate in the “Future Stars – Elementary Puppy” exhibition category.

“A lot of the handlers were kids which speaks well to the showing of dogs going forward,” he said.

Whether your family is hoping for a future show champion or has just adopted a dog from the local animal shelter, however, sound pet nutrition is an important first step. According to Young, one of the most common and dangerous misconceptions in the Caribbean—and around the world, for that matter—is that it’s perfectly fine to feed dogs table scraps. The Pet Food Institute uses these type of sponsorships as opportunities to inform and educate around animal nutritional requirements.

“Complete and balanced commercially-prepared pet food products contain the right balance of protein, fat, fiber and carbohydrates – all critical for a healthy pet,” said Young. “Table scraps just won’t measure up for your family’s dog.”

The Pet Food Institute-Caribbean is a non-profit organization that promotes initiatives to advance pet nutrition and the overall quality of pet food in The Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos, and Jamaica. For more information or to showcase the pets you love, follow us on Facebook @ petfoodinstitutecaribbean