It would be easy to get overwhelmed at Crufts, the largest dog show in the world.

Over a three-day period, 125,000 people pass through and 20,000 dogs compete.

Janice Moran’s keeshond Puck didn’t place, but he had a blast.

“He was probably patted by 800 people in one day,” she said. “He loved it because all he had to do was sit there and look pretty and people fussed over him. I, on the other hand, was exhausted by the end of the day. It does get really tiring when people ask the same question over and over again.”

Mrs Moran was one of 15 Bermudians who competed in Birmingham, England last month.

The event took over five halls of the National Exhibition Centre, each about the size of Madison Square Gardens. Forty smaller rings were also used, along with an arena with a 7,000-seat capacity.

Vendors of all descriptions added to the spectacle of the event.

“On the first day alone, 70,000 people went through,” Mrs Moran said. “The show has everything to do with dog sports. It is a fascinating show. There are so many people that you often have to queue for over an hour to get into the main events. If you go, take a friend so they can hold your seat while you go to the bathroom. Otherwise, you probably won’t get back in. There is only assigned seating for the final show at the end.”

This was Mrs Moran’s first time showing at Crufts although she has attended as a visitor five times before.

Puck competed under the name Musical Keez Pavarotti.

He’s one of two keeshonds Mrs Moran owns. The medium-sized dogs, which have plush, two-layer coats of silver and black fur, are originally from Germany. They’re known for their gentle temper and strong work drive.

“Puck didn’t win anything, but showed nicely,” she said. “I think he was too dark in the face for the judges.

“The American Kennel Club standard calls for the dog to be wolf grey and black, but Americans seem to have a preference for lighter dogs. That thinking seemed to prevail at the competition. If I had shown my female, [Kiri], she would have won their hearts because she is lighter. But I can’t show her because she is spayed.”

Dogs must win a Crufts qualifier show to compete. Those that won a group or best in show at the Bermuda Kennel Club Show in October were all eligible.

Puck shone at Crufts’ Discover Dogs, a non-competitive event where people can learn more about various breeds. Crowds were thrilled when the keeshond started dancing freestyle.

“I started doing musical freestyle when I had standard poodles,” said Mrs Moran. “It is a relatively new dog sport.

“The dogs definitely have a preference for dancing to certain types of music. My poodles were very into Latin American music. They liked La Bamba and the tango.

“They would come running into the house anytime they heard music. I think Puck’s favourite song is Happy by Pharrell Williams.”

She said it was very different being a competitor.

“But people [at Crufts] are quite relaxed compared to people at shows in North America,” she said. “Generally, people in my breed tend to be more relaxed about showing. I have also showed poodles and that was cut-throat.

“Keeshonds are known as the smiling Dutchmen. They give these little grins. They are affable, excellent with children and very even-tempered. People are constantly asking what they are. Some people think they are a husky or an Akita. They are a spitz breed. I know of ten on the island.”

Unfortunately, Puck was unable to take part in any competitive musical freestyle events at Crufts because you can not qualify for it through the Bermuda Kennel Club Show.

Visit bermudakennelclub.com for more information