Set in the heart of Suffolk at Helmingham Hall, the tenth Suffolk Dog Day was underway yesterday, Sunday July 30.
Thousands of dogs and owners gathered at the moated Tudor-style manor house in Helmingham to meet with other dog enthusiasts, take part in show classes, agility and other activities.
The day began with the first parade of the Best of Suffolk Dog Breeds voted by the public, from the Border Collie at number ten to the most popular, the Greyhound, closing the event.
Richard Cooper, Chair for the Suffolk Dog Day 2017, said: “Our competition to find Suffolk’s Top Ten favourite breeds has been great fun and generated so much interest. I am delighted that greyhounds have come out on top – followed by the Labradors coming in a close second, followed by the Cockapoos in third.
“We really couldn’t run this event without the very generous sponsorship we get from Suffolk business.
“A special mention to our two headline sponsors; Skinners Dog Food and St peters Brewery – but to all our sponsors a big thank you, we really appreciate your support.”
As well as breed show classes, there were also other fun events for people to take part in; including best long and short coat, best male and female, best rescue dog, best fancy dress, scruffiest mutt, best crossbreed, dog with the waggiest tail, best puppy and junior handler classes.
With around 90 stalls, there were plenty of opportunities to purchase some treats for your pets, grab food on the go, and chat to business.
The event works in partnership with the Suffolk Community Foundation, which has awarded over £16m to 2,000 local charities since 2005.
Tim Holder, Suffolk Community Foundation Director, said: “I would like to say thank you to the one hundred volunteers who have helped here today at the tenth Suffolk Dog Day.
“Thank you to everyone who loves their dogs, who come here year after year, and supports us.
“We hope this year, we will push through the £500,000 barrier of fund raising for all Suffolk charities. If we can do that today it will be thanks to all of the spectators, and their wonderful animals. Thank you so much for coming and lets hope there’s another ten years”.
The next Suffolk Dog Day will take place on Sunday July 29, 2018.
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