Bermuda hosts the World Congress of Kennel Clubs for the first time.

It is the seventh congress to be held and it will be opened at The Princess hotel in Hamilton today by Prince Michael of Kent.

The congress will discuss topics concerning kennel clubs and dogs in the UK, Australia, Barbados, Finland, India, Holland, USA, Canada, South Africa and Bermuda.

Prince Michael has already delighted local dog owners with his appearance at the final day of the 1992 Dog Show at the Botanical Gardens yesterday. He chatted with dog owners and officials before handing out prizes to winners later in the day.

On arriving at the Botanical Gardens, Prince Michael was met by co-chairmen of the show, Mrs. Betty Leighton and Mrs. Janet Owner.

But he also made a point of stopping and talking to dog owners on his way around the arena to the judging tent.

Mrs. Nancy Connor, of Massachusetts, had brought her two three-year old red setters, Snickers and Pixie, over for the show. She said: "I was just standing here and he came over and said that my dogs were very pretty. It is amazing who you can run into at dog shows!'' Prince Michael also spoke to Ms Elaine Foggo, of St. David's who was standing near to the judging tent with her 18-month-old German shepherd, Gandhi.

A stunned Ms Foggo said: "I was not supposed to meet him. He wanted to know what kind of breed Gandhi was. I am totally overwhelmed.'' Prince Michael was then introduced to a number of competitors and officials before sitting down to watch the "working breeds'' category of the show.

Over the next week he will be given a tour of the Island. It is his first visit and he is said to be thrilled with Bermuda after hearing good things from other members of the Royal Family who have visited.

Mrs. Leighton said: "Prince Michael is here to present the prizes while he is in Bermuda as President of the Kennel Club at the World Congress of Kennel Clubs.

"The congress has been held every two years since 1978 and it is the first time it has been held in Bermuda. It is an exchange of information between clubs from all over the world.'' Mrs. Leighton said that topics this year would include new laws in Britain restricting pit bull terriers and the opening of the Iron Curtain, where many dog owners are interested in forming links with kennel clubs in the West.

ROYAL VISIT -- Prince Michael of Kent (second from left) meets Mrs. Nancy Connor and her red setters Snickers and Pixie at the 1992 Dog Show, as officials look on. American, Mrs. Connor said: "It's amazing who you run into at dog shows!''