By Alesha Capone
You would have to be barking mad to miss the Melbourne Dog Lovers Show, which will be held in Carlton next month.
Since 2013, the annual show has attracted almost 200,000 canine fans through the gates.
At this year’s show, more than 600 dogs from mor than 120 breeds will attend.
The program includes a K9 Ninja Star competition; skipping, frisbee and drag-racing dog shows, a doggy high jump and educational talks from Dr Danni Dusek, Dr Lisa Chimes, Dr Katrina Warren and Kelly Gill.
Australian Working Dog Rescue will host the Sheepdog Speed Trials and the BlackHawk DockDogs competition has dogs launching themselves off a dock into a 100,000 litre pool.
More than 40 clubs will feature in the Breed Showcase and famous Instagram pooches will be present for meet-and-greets.
Melbourne Dog Lovers Show chief executive Jason Humphris said this year, for the first time, the event had partnered with the PETstock Assist team to run the Dog Adoption Zone.
More than 30 rescue groups and shelters will provide information for prospective pet owners, who will be able to meet pets needing a home.
Visitors can also experience Speed Dating for Dog Lovers, demos from street artists who will be painting pooches and free doggy face-painting for children.
The Melbourne Dog Lovers Show will be held 9.30am-5pm from May 3 to May 5 at the Royal Exhibition Building, tickets (online prices): adult $27.50, child $12, kids under five free.
Details: dogloversshow.com.au/Melbourne
