The Best of Dogs in West Africa Displayed

About the August Classic Dog Show

The August Classic Dog Show is an all-breed dog event in Ghana. It is scheduled for the last Saturday of August each event year. It seeks to draw breeders and dog handlers from across the West African sub-region to create a platform for honouring the best dogs, recognizing top-of-the-line dogs, as well create a networking opportunity for breeders and dog enthusiasts. It is also an event to recognize the year’s best show dog in West Africa. This year’s event is the second edition with an impressive improvement.

August Classic Dog Show 2024

On August 31st, 2024, Dog lovers, breeders, trainers, groomers, and the general public descended on the Dworwulu Astro Turf in Accra for the second edition of the annual August Classic Dog Show—ACDS. The event was a celebration of man’s best friend, the dog. It was also one of those rare moments when the true nature of bred-for-purpose dogs was exhibited while being assessed by the renowned South African all-breed judge, Tania Edwards.

The August Classic Dog Show team, Kennel Union of Ghana, Shih Tzu National Specialty Show, and breed-specific unions in Ghana organized the event, which proved to be a mainstay. A total of 82 dogs competed in four classes and five groups.

Entries, Groups, and Categories

The Classes entered were Puppy Class, Junior Class, Open Class, and Veteran Class. Each class represents the different ages of dogs. The groups open to the various dogs were the following.

Group 1 – Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs
Group 2 – Pinscher and Schnauzer
Group 3 – Spitz & Primitive Types
Group 4 – Retrievers
Group 5 – Companion and Toy Dogs

Each group is based on the dog’s functionality. An impressive array of breeds was entered. German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermanns, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, Cane Corso Italiano, Presa Canario, Bull Mastiff, Pomeranian, Poodle, Shih Tzu, American Cocker Spaniel, Pug, and the Lhasa Apso were entered in this novel event. The dog breeds came from across West Africa, with most being from Ghana and Nigeria.

Although the August Classic Dog Show 2024 was open to all recognized breeds in West Africa, it was dominated by dogs from Ghana and Nigeria.

Dog shows worldwide are fast gaining attraction as a sport. They also serve as the main grounds where breeders and handlers connect to enhance various breeding programs. This being the second edition of the August Classic Dog Show, more dogs participated in the various categories, hoping to be the best dogs in their respective categories. However, there can only be one winner in each category.

The various dogs were entered into the following categories for the competition.
Assessment
August Classic (Best in Show)
Best West African Dog
Best Locally Born and Bred Dog
Shih Tzu Nationals

Primo Paws Alpha is Winner again

The top-most win went to a Cane Corso, Primo Paws Alpha in the August Classic (Best in Show) category. This dog has emerged as the best in the show for the second consecutive time. Many kept wondering if he could repeat the feat in 2025.

The core team for the show were;

Judge: Tania Edwards
Show Chairman: Mr Frederick Osei-Frimpong Jnr
Show Managers: Mr Mazen Katerji And Mr Samir Msaileb
Show Secretary: Ms. Susan Amardi Darko
Show Finance: Mr Emmanuel Asare and Ms. Susan Amardi Darko

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