Barking up a storm

Lovely dog . . . Skyla Robb 7, watches a her dog Louie checks for scents while he waits his turn at the Hurunui Young Farmers Bark Up. PHOTO: JOHN COSGROVE

A quiet moment . . . Brandon Robb sits with Louie as they wait their turn to perform., PHOTO: JOHN COSGROVE

Biding their time . . . Waiting their turn at the Bark Up, were Rev and Mouse with owner Larissa Corboy who also entered the novelty category. PHOTO: JOHN COSGROVE

Waiting their turn . . . Ange Fodie with Tessa, a bearded Huntaway, wait to compete at the Hurunui Young Farmers Bark Up. PHOTO: JOHN COSGROVE

Speak up . . . One of the 30 dogs and novelty entrants at the Hurunui Young Farmers ‘Bark Up’ makes a statement during the competition. PHOTOS: JOHN COSGROVE

For all entrants in the Hurunui Young Farmers ‘Bark Up’ competition, the judging came down to loudness, tone and presence to win.

Held at the Hurunui Hotel on Saturday evening, over 30 dogs and novelty entrants bayed, barked and howled as they sought to out do their competition,

Hurunui YFC president Marcus White says they were not just talking about the dogs on show.

The large number of novelty acts conducted by owners were just as entertaining.

‘‘We had a lot of fun and it was all for a good cause as we were raising money to support several local charities.’’

He thanked all the sponsors and says the club was impressed with the response and is hoping to run the event on an annual basis.

Dog of all shapes and sizes were entered by adoring owners, from a miniature Chihuahua, to Labs and full blooded entire huntaways who gave it their best when commanded to speak.

They were entered in four categories — individual huntaway, terriers, teams of three and novelty.

All provided a lot of noisy entertainment.