Officials and exhibitors have welcomed the success of the championship dog shows held in perfect weather at Millicent’s McLaughlin Park recently.


Instead of players chasing a round ball, the Millicent United Soccer Club grounds welcomed 250 pedigree dogs to its playing arena.


The out-of-town exhibitors provide a sugar hit for the local economy with accommodation and hospitality venues welcoming the extra trade.


The Millicent Kennel Club staged the championship dog shows over three consecutive days from Friday with the mild and still conditions welcomed by the judges, owners and dogs.


Convenor Julie Allen said there was strong support for the event with an increase of entries on the 2022 numbers.


“The most popular breeds were the Border Collies and Welsh Corgi Cardigans with 12 entries apiece,” Ms Allen said.


“The Best in Show on Saturday morning was a 2.5-year-old Welsh Corgi Cardigan called Bridie.”


Ms Allen is a longtime exhibitor as she owns Shetland Sheepdogs.


Lameroo exhibitor and breeder Amy Eatts frequents the dog show circuit with her Border Collies and brought four to show.


She is happy to make the six-hour round trip from the Murray Mallee and makes a weekend of it.


“We like coming to Millicent because of the relaxed atmosphere at the shows,” Ms Eatts said.


“We stay in a cabin at the Hillview Caravan Park where owners Gloria and Allan Withers make us feel very welcome.


“We always have takeaway meals in Millicent such as pizzas from Gino’s.”


For many years, the dog shows were held within the showgrounds and coincided with the annual Millicent Show.


However, the move was made to the Millicent United Soccer Club at McLaughlin Park more than a decade ago and the club has assisted with catering and staging chores.


The judges came from South Australia, Victoria and the ACT and the shows were conducted under the rules of the South Australian Canine Association.