The first Dog Show in Australia

This,  the first Dog Show in the Australian Colonies,  was a huge event back on the 12th of November, 1862.
The following is the "write up" in the Mercury on the 13th of November, 1862.

                                             CANINE EXHIBITION

The dog is proverbially the companion and friend of man in all climes.   He is marked amongst what is called the brute creation, for his desertion of his own species to attach himself to man.  He is domesticated in our homes, the courageous sharer in our dangers, and the faithful comrade in our sports.   Yet, the family of dogs has its disreputable members as well as the family of men.  And the lovers of this noble animal would be glad to see the breed free from the perpetuation of the useless non-descript curs, that are to be met with at every corner, and in every gutter; not only thoroughly useless , but in many cases mischievous pests; and even sometimes to cause loss of valuable life, as in the case occurring not so many months ago in Melbourne, where a worthless cur sallying out from some hole or other, at the heels of the horse of a gentleman of high military rank was the cause of death to that gallant officer.
A Society having for its objects the improvement of the breed of dogs, and an attempt to check the multiplication of the aforesaid mongrels, has initiated an exhibition of a somewhat novel character, (at least in these parts) in the shape of a real bona fide Dog Show, which, accordingly, took place yesterday, at Moore's Horse Bazaar in Liverpool-street.

***This we may note is the first Dog Show that has been held in the Australian Colonies.

In the said locality, with which most of our readers are no doubt familiar, might therefore be seen a large congregation of these true philanthropists (we use the word in its literal signification); big dogs, little dogs, handsome and ugly dogs (though not ugly in the conventional sense), dogs with curly tails, and dogs without any tails to speak of , dogs cheerful, dogs of a morose turn of mind; in fact no end of dogs.   The whole pack, too, keeping up a continual chorus (for no solos were to be thought of, or suffered for a moment) in a charming variety of keys, with more modulations and occidentals than ever a composer thought of; the general purpose of each chorus being apparently to express their decided objection to being where they were, and a universal wish to be "over the hills and far away"  or in any other indefinite locality.   There was one noticeable exception to the rule of impatient remonstrance however, in the shape of one of the most patriarchal looking dogs ever seen, a beautiful Setter rejoicing in the name of "Hector" and which evidently considered it to be his duty to maintain his dignity properly, but at the same time to exercise a proper amount of calm forbearance towards the petulance of his peers.   But to go into canicular details; the entries were numerous, as will be seen from the following list, to which we append the prizes awarded by the judges, such prizes being denoted by the figures, 1st and 2nd attached to the respective entries

***Here to save time and space I will list all the entries in groups...................

16 Setters   - 1 Imported.    10 Pointers  -  2 Imported.     Other Field Dogs - 1 Hound, 4 Harriers, 2 Beagles and 1 Retriever.   5 Bull Dogs - 2 Imported.    9 Bull Terriers  -  4 Imported.    18 Rough Terriers - 2 Imported.    13 Smooth Terriers.   2 Fox Terriers - 1 Imported.   2 Newfoundlands - 1 Imported.  2 Sheep Dogs.   1 Esquineaux Dog.   2 Poodles - 1 Imported  and 1 Breed Unknown.

Then the Article continued with a summary..............

Not assuming to be in any way competent judges we leave the merits and demerits of the respective breeds on the decisions above given, merely remarking that to all interested in such matters the exhibition was no doubt highly gratifying, and even to those perfectly uninitiated the genus is so favorably familiar, that pleasure could be derived by all from a visit.  From such cause no doubt the attendance throughout the day was tolerably numerous, and the fair sex contributed their presence to the scene.
Of course on such an occasion the animals sent are supposed to be amongst the best of their respective species; and therefore in all some real or comparative beauty or merit may be found; but some peculiarities strike the eye more than others.   We could not help noticing a truly fine bull-dog with an honorable scar-covered nose, about half an inch long and most particularly turn up; but nevertheless said bull-dog being of a most benevolent disposition towards the public generally.
Then in contradistinction to his majesty of dogs, might be noticed a spaniel with magnificent ears, reminding one only of Brobdiguagian  nettled silk purses.  To our patriarchal setter friend Hector we have already alluded.   One dog called an Esquimaux Poodle (if we remember rightly) was remarkable for his woolly coat trailing to the ground, and if he had been a little bigger might have passed very well for a  brown sheep.
There was one sheep dog too, a real Smithfield colley, we warrant; for on suggesting to him privately to "turn 'em down Hosier Lane, he expressed his perfect willingness to do so as far as dog could.
The mutilation of the ears of which folks are now beginning to see the evil, was sadly apparent in two terrier pups; entirely marring them.
And now we leave the Canine Exhibition with a good wish for the furtherance of the objects of the Society.

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