international dog shows which begins today.

The shows, held at the Botanical Gardens, will feature more than 100 canines from the US, Canada, Alaska, and Bermuda, despite new restrictions on dogs entering Bermuda, organisers said.

New regulations dictate that any dog entering Bermuda must have had its required vaccinations and some are not completed until the dog is about ten months old.

During the week-long event a different show will take place each day with four judges from the US and Canada judging the various categories of entrants.

In order for a dog to secure championship points, it must be assessed by at least two different judges in at least two different shows.

With activities beginning at 8.30 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. each day, the morning competitions will be considered elimination rounds and respective group and breed winners will go on to compete again in the afternoon for group and breed honours.

The show will end on Sunday with a prize presentation banquet at the Cafe Lido at the Elbow Beach Hotel that evening.