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Warm and sunny weather drew a large crowd to the first ever Bavaria Dog in Munich yesterday. More than 15,000 dog owners and their four-legged friends were entertained by a colourful programme put together by Fressnapf and over 60 partners, including numerous shows, activity stands and talks across the 10,000 m2 Olympiapark grounds from 10 am to 6 pm. "We are thrilled at the huge response to the dog festival in Munich. The premiere was a resounding success, which we will repeat next year," says Günter Arndt, Fressnapf store owner in Munich and co-organizer of the major event.

Special guests: celebrities with a heart for dogs
Celebrity dog lovers were also in attendance, including "Supertalent" winner Yvo Antoni, actor Günther Kaufmann and dog and wolf expert Günther Bloch. Yvo Antoni and his Jack Russell Terrier PrimaDonna performed twice, thrilling audiences with acrobatic tricks in the event arena. After the show, the winner of the RTL show "Das Supertalent" answered questions and signed autographs for fans. Actor Günther Kaufmann, better known as bad guy "Der schreckliche Sven" from the film "Wickie und die starken Männer", presented the audio book "Sammy und Floris" together with natural cosmetics expert and author Claire Fisher. Claire Fisher, patron of the Tiertafel Deutschland e. V., wrote the story of canine friendship between the scraggly stray Sammy and the fashionably styled poodle Floris and Günther Kaufmann lent the four-legged heroes his voice. The royalties and a percentage of sales will go to the Tiertafel Deutschland e. V. The charity provides pet food to owners that have trouble looking after their pet. How do dogs communicate with each other? What rules and non-rules apply to dogs in the house? Those looking for the answers to these questions came to Günther Bloch’s talks. The Cologne-born dog and wolf expert provided expert tips on dog ownership in an entertaining manner.

Search for the Bavaria Dog 2010
Another highlight of the event was the search for the Bavaria Dog 2010. The magazine "DOGS today" spent three hours looking for Bavaria’s fittest, friendliest and most original dog. A huge crowd formed in front of the casting stand with a total of 80 dogs entering. Ten particularly photogenic dogs made it through to the final, many of which performed great tricks. Thy jury finally chose ten year old Giant Schnauzer-Alsatian cross Jessie. Owner Christin Schulz never doubted in her pet and is thrilled that Jessie's photo will appear on the cover of magazine "DOGS today" in December. "Jessie is not bothered by camera flashes or crowds of people. Her calm and relaxed temperament makes her the perfect front-page model."

Sports, games and plenty of fun
Alongside celebrities and the DOGS today casting session, Bavaria Dog also offered plenty of other attractions – canine models presented the latest fashion trends on the red carpet, Border Collies played dog football with an oversized World Cup ball and the dog sports JAD dogs, a fusion of sport and dance, celebrated its world premiere. The programme also included a flyball competition. This team sport originates from the USA and challenges both dogs and owners. Every dog in the team must complete a hurdle race and then catch the flyball. They then sprint back and the next dog takes their turn. In the end, the team with the best time wins.

Bavaria Dog – a festival for the entire family
Throughout the day, visitors could find out practical information about living with animals and participate in activities at the numerous stands set up around the grounds. Dog owners had the opportunity to learn about the proper diet for their pet at the weighing station at the Royal Canin stand or about dental health at the Pedigree Denta mobile stand. Owners could also test their dog’s fitness with an agility obstacle course. "We wanted Bavaria Dog to be both entertaining and informative," explains Günter Arndt. "Dogs are an important part of thousands of families in Munich. We are pleased that with Bavaria Dog, we were able to put together a festival for the entire family – including its canine members."


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Dog football in the arena RGB – JPG The Border Collies of Cleverland kicked around an oversized Jabulani, the official ball of the World Cup, at the first Bavaria Dog in Munich. Photo: Fressnapf/Marco Glas Download (1892KB)

Günther Kaufmann at Bavaria Dog 2010 RGB – JPG Actor Günther Kaufmann presented the audio book project “Sammy und Floris” and took to the red carpet with canine model Pacy. Photo: Fressnapf/Marco Glas Download (1642KB)

Search for the Bavaria Dog 2010 RGB – JPG Giant Schnauzer-Alsatian cross Jessie with proud owner Christin Schulz. Photo: Fressnapf/Marco Glas Download (1706KB)