Maree McManaway has owned English Pointers for 35 years and is making a comeback to canine competition.
She and her dog Kasper were one of several breeds competing in the Tasman Districts Gundog Society Championship Show, in association with the Nelson Districts Kennel Association, at Richmond Showgrounds at the weekend.
Maree, who lives in Stoke, says after a 10 to 15-year hiatus to raise her four children, she returned to the competition two years ago.
She says Kasper, one of three English Pointers she owns, has collected a raft of awards for his on-point display in front of the judging panel, and now takes a friendly approach, meeting other dogs and showing the characteristics of his breed.
“It’s all about how the angles of the bones are and their movement, their expression, whether they are capable for the job that they are bred for,” she says.
“Looking after them is making sure they get enough exercise, the right food and lots of love. They’re quite a sensitive breed, if you growl at them, they’ll think the world’s ending.
“They love swimming, galloping and stretching out, they’re bred to hunt pheasants and quail, so they need to be able to do that or else they’ll go crazy.”
