Pampered... moi? Hair-raising makeovers at the dog show where the fur never flies

By MydeaMedia Reporter

With not a hair out of place it's crucial that these pampered pooches look their best for the judges.

These purebreds are part of the star line-up at Asia and Pacific Dog Show in Manila, which has attracted more than 500 entries.

The three-day event, hosted by the Philippine Canine Club, aims to promote and encourage love for purebred dogs, and showcases the meticulous care their owners shower them with.

The international dog show is held in a different location in Asia-Pacific each year, and this year brought together expert judges from all over the world, including Finland, Slovenia, Israel, Colombia, Japan, Pakistan, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and the Philippines.

How do I look? A purebred shih tzu - the name means 'lion dog' in Chinese - during its coiffure at the Asia and Pacific Dog Show in the Phillippines capital, Manila

Bouffants: A handler grooms an almost two identical Shih-Tzu puppies prior to performing at the opening of the three-day Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) Asia and the Pacific Section Dog Show

Owners spent hours grooming their pampered pooches during the three-day event. The result was hundreds of dogs with quirky bouffants and fur tied in all manner of strange pony tails.

Many of the canines had their fur made up into oriental styles - with red ribbons, tassles and bows.

 

Some of the owners even went as far as to spend the equivalent of hundreds of pounds on their beloved animals.

Two almost almost identical Shih-Tzu puppies had makeovers that saw their fur groomed into bizarre semi-circles pony-tails.

While dozens of other puffed-up poodles wad their coats trimmed into fluffy displays of white with red ties.

Keep still! A participant prepares a poodle for judging. Technically a standard poodle, this purebred, one of more than 500 entrants at this year's event, looks anything but

High-maintenance hound: the poodle waiting to be judged as a Filipina looks on. The event aims to promote and encourage love for purebreds

Not for girls? This purebred Yorkie waits patiently while its owner brushes and ties back its shiny, long locks

What do you mean you're allergic? Owners meticulously groom and prepare their shih tzus, chihuahuas and poodles during the dog show, which attracts judges from all over the world

Anticipation: Sung Ji-yu, from Seoul, South Korea, cuddles her Maltese named 'Iten' as they wait for their turn to perform at the opening of the festival

Little handful: A Filipino proudly holds up his chihuahua, one of 500 entrants at the show in Manila

Hey don't forget us! Pugs don't get ribbons but they're important participants of events in Manila

Oh darling: this shih tzu, with its Marie Antionette bouffon, knows who it thinks stole the show.

MydeaMedia@2012