When we sent our field reporter Rosh down to the Dog Judging Lawn for the Best Puppy in Show Competition, we expected some serious cuteness.
What we got instead was a distant, grainy photograph of what appeared to be adorable — but potentially full-grown? — dogs.
While I’d heard of mutton dressed as lamb before, I’m not sure what the canine equivalent would be. But whatever it is, we found it.
Apparently, security at the puppy competition was tight, as Rosh had to get creative just to get close enough to snap the winner. She will not disclose the extreme measures taken to cross the white picket security gate.
But before any official ribbons were handed out, Molly and I decided to take matters into our own hands — and judge the contestants ourselves.
Now, you might be wondering: what puppy-related credentials do we have to award such an honourable prize?
None. Zip. Nada!
But what we lack in expertise, we more than make up for in enthusiasm.
Here were the judging criteria we came up with:
- Expressiveness: Does the puppy’s face tell a story? (Bonus points for expressive bodies and tails.)
- Snuggle factor: Would you call in sick just to stay home and cuddle this dog?
- Ear-to-face ratio: The bigger the ears and the smaller the face, the better.
You can see the blurry but elite line-up of contestants above — and we invite you to judge for yourself before hearing what we thought.
And while we still have a few questions about the cut-off age for a dog to have “puppy” status here at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, one thing is for sure:
Every single one of these dogs is a champion in our hearts.
Listen to our full (but completely unqualified) Best in Show evaluation here:
