Few aspects of a show are as appealing as the dog competition. And if you ever wondered about the effort that the goes into such a competition, look no further than Paul McDermott.

Eight hours grooming each week, 50 shows a year and 10 dogs to keep in mint condition, Paul is certainly a busy man. When he sat down with us, he explained that his dogs were as much for his passion as they are for company.

“I always had an interest in dogs. I got into showing dogs when I was about 13 but stopped when I got married. Eight years ago, I began doing it again. It is something myself and my family love doing,” he says.

“I keep foxhounds, jack russell’s and beagles. It really is much more than a pastime, it is a passion.”

On the surface, many may not understand the efforts that dog breeders go to in order to ensure their dogs are in prestige condition. But as I chatted to the Galway native, it became clear just how dedicated and passionate they are.

“I would visit about 50 shows a year, give or take, in both Ireland and the UK. Preparation for a show on a Saturday would begin on Wednesday, usually. We would spend about four hours on a Wednesday getting the dogs ready for the show – things like grooming, washing, drying and nail clipping. Then you would spend more time the night before giving the final touches,” Paul explains.

“You would spend about eight hours a week grooming, just about every week of the year. You wouldn’t do it if you were not passionate about it,” Paul laughs.

As passions go, dogs are a relatively expensive one, as Paul outlines.

“I mean you would spend €60 to €80 on show entries and about €100 on food each week. It is expensive but you do receive prize money back, so it evens itself out.”

Prizes are something that Paul and his dogs are no strangers to. A plethora of awards highlighted by his foxhound’s best in show accolade in the Hounds Association of Ireland competition all show this. For a foxhound to receive this prestigious award is as rare as it is impressive.

Dog shows have suffered in recent times. With money in short supply, events such as these tend to get hit hard. However, Paul believes that slight improvements can be seen.

“It does seem to be improving again. It did stop there for awhile. When money is tight, you notice that. But it is picking up now. We are seeing more people from Britain travelling over here for shows, which is a positive sign.”

Currently the club secretary for the Connacht Canine Club, the father of three says that show going is about much more than winning.

“The friends you make, the people you meet – shows are a fantastic social occasion. I have friends from all over the world because of it. Like so many pastimes, you meet so many people,” Paul says.

A rolling stone gathers no moss and this can certainly be said for Paul and his wife Carol. If we have learned anything today, it is that people who show dogs have a busy schedule.