Botanical Gardens.

There's nothing very menacing about this affair, however.

In fact, everybody is on their very best behaviour. For this is one of the Bermuda All Breed Club's championship dog shows.

And, of course, obedience and a well snipped look are an absolute must.

Up to 250 dogs and owners, of varying shapes and haircuts, are being pitted against each other.

But although competition is intense, the atmosphere resembles one of a game of croquet.

Manners maketh dogs as well as man, it seems.

Of course, the crowning glory comes with Sunday's appearance of a royal, when Bermuda hosts the seventh World Congress of Kennel Clubs.

Prince Michael of Kent is dropping in for the World Congress dog show, and will present all the prizes.

This year an international panel of judges is chewing over the eye-catching specimens on show.

But despite the extra prestige, the number of entrants has left organisers a little down in the mouth.

Among first-timers to brighten up proceedings are Mexican hairless dogs, and Chinese crested dogs.

Mr. Andrew Knapp, a theatre set designer from Connecticut, was also pretty pleased with his striking Russian wolfhound, or borzoi.

Five-year-old Danny topped the hounds group, and is now a Bermudian champion as well as an American one.

"I'm delighted. It's the second year I've entered a show here,'' said Mr.

Knapp, whose long hair bears remarkable resemblance to Danny's.

Mr. Knapp explained borzois were originally bred by Russian aristocracy to chase wolves, but many were systematically destroyed after the 1917 revolution.

"They were associated with the Czars. Danny still goes mad at the sight of wolves, and once attacked the television when he saw a wolf on screen,'' he added.

Mr. Craig Morfitt, from Devonshire, was also happy with the achievements of Kelly, his 10-month-old dalmation.

Kelly won him the "best of breed in dalmations'' group, as well as the "best puppy'' in the non-sporting group.

Mrs. Janet Owner, president of the Bermuda All Breed Club, said the event's clash with the World Rugby Classic had probably affected turn-out.

"We had hoped for more entrants, particularly with international judges, but overall we're quite happy.

"The judges have been very impressed with the standard of dogs.'' Mrs. Betty Leighton, president of the Bermuda Kennel Club, said the show had attracted dog lovers from as far afield as Alaska.

SEEING SPOTS -- Seven-year-old Whitney Morfitt, from Devonshire, doesn't mind making a spectacle of herself, particularly when she has the family's dalmation, Kelly, in her sights.