What to Know about the August Classic Dog Show 2023

165 dogs of 13 different breeds from Ghana and Nigeria will descend the rings of Dzowulu and Kumasi this weekend for a time of their lives. 

The August Classic Dog Show is where the best Breeders in Ghana and neighboring countries converge to showcase their works to the rest of West Africa. There will courageous Poodles, arrogant carriage ShihTzu, working line German Shepherds, muscular Rottweiler, majestic cane Corso & thick boned boerboels but to name a few who will grace the ring with their showmanship.

The dogs have a simple yet herculean task of convincing the 2 FCI international Judges in the person of Dr Chakkapan (From Thailand) and Micheal Vorster (South Africa) on why they should be chosen as the Best in Show for the day. To achieve this objective, breeders train and tease out the best showmanship from their dogs with treat and any sporting technique to get the best out of their dogs. 

The dogs, among the most beautiful and well-behaved in West Africa, have trained for this day for months or years. They have come to compete in the canine equivalent of Nation’s cup, The August Classic Dog Show under the emblem of the Kennel union of Ghana.

The August Classic Dog Show just like other conformation shows organized by the kennel Union of Ghana will be climaxed with Judges painstakingly examining each dog from snout to tail. The judge will compare each of these dog structure and temperament to that breed of dog standard to ascertain if the dog will deliver on its key functionality based on the dog expression and structure.

Soraya Solo Per I Tuo Occhi won the Best Companion Dog & Best ShihTzu in Ghana and Went to Nigeria to in the Best female ShihTzu

A Brief History of the Kennel Union of Ghana Conformation Show 

Since 2012, the Kennel Union of Ghana which is an association of dog breeders and dog lovers have been organizing conformation shows. previous years have had breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweiler, Pug and American Cocker spaniel winning Best in Shows. Last year a ShihTzu won the Best Companion dog in Ghana while an American Cocker Spaniel took the overall Best in Show Award. 

This year’s conformation show will start at 7am at the Dzowulu  Junior High School Astroturf on Friday August 4th from 7am with an Assessment of pure-bred dogs under FCI international Judge Dr Chakkapan. This will be followed by a Cane Corso Specialty show, a competition between only Cane Corso for choose a Best of Breed which will double as the Best in Show for Cane Corso breed. The Dobermann, ShihTzu, Rottweiler and German Shepherd will also follow suite with their respective specialties. Last year Best of Breed winners for the Cane Corso, Dobermann and ShihTzu will have the opportunity to defend their tittles as Best ShihTzu, Dobermann and Cane Corso in Ghana. After the 5 specialties will be followed by a Grooming show to choose the best Groomers in West Africa under the stewardship of 3 international Judges from America.

Rema Mastebo Guard was the Best of Breed@ Cane Corso Specialty Show 2022

The Regional All Breed and National Black Star Show will commence after the Grooming show where all breeds will compete in the ring for the pathway to become the Best Dog in West Africa. 

Dogs that enter the ring aim to get the black star award, the highest award for dogs that demonstrate the best temperament and structure for the day. There will be only one Best in Show but 13 Best of Breeds and many Champions of Ghana (dogs that get 2 Black Star Awards from 2 different judges) becomes crowned as Champions of Ghana. Champions of the day shall compete with champion dogs from Nigeria for the champion of Champion Ring where a cash prize will be given to the champion of Champion winner of that competition.

Capo at Val Di Vetro was 2022 Best in Show, Dobermann Specialty

Who Can Come to the August Classic Dog Show?

Breeders, Dog lovers, families, owners seeking to own their first dogs, groomers and every animal enthusiast should strive to be at Dzowulu JHIS on Friday 4th August 2023 from 7am to 7pm and 9am to 3pm in Kumasi Paa Joe Park on 5th August,2023 at the Paa Joe Park to witness the show. The show is free to the public but owners of the 165 dogs have already registered for the 2-day shows. At the upcoming show this weekend there will be no losers. There will only be an excellent opportunity for man to connect and socialize with each other. In the end everyone will be able to form lifelong friendships and have fun in one big venue. 

by Emmanuel Asare