The secretary of the unbenched open dog show is urging dog lovers to ‘get on their knees and pray’ for better weather at this year’s show.

Water logged show rings and ongoing rain led organisers to make a last minute decision to cancel the popular event at last year’s County Show.

“It was absolutely swimming with water,” said Secretary Sylvia Hughes of their location to the south west corner of the showground in 2008.

“We could have shown ducks rather than dogs!”

However, Mrs Hughes, who has organised the event for the last six years, told the Western Telegraph that the open dog show is set to be on “safer ground” this time around, in Zone B close to the Grand Ring.

“We are in a better area this year on ground that has been used regularly and has better drainage.

“It is also more central in the show ground.”

The competition, sponsored by Royal Canin and held under strict Kennel Club rules, looks set to see a wide variety of breeds descend on Withybush Showground, including a good entry of corgis and whippets.

Around 240 dogs have been entered and there are on average three dogs per class, however- this varies from class to class.

“We should see people coming from all over Wales,” said Mrs Hughes.

The stakes have been raised somewhat for young handlers getting involved in the competition, as winners of the Kennel Club junior handler classes- and the overall junior handler winner- will qualify for Crufts 2010.

The open dog show will take place on Tuesday, August 18th, starting at 9am.