Sunbury Canine Club Inc is a renowned sports club located in Hume City, Australia. This club holds its annual show on Melbourne Cup Day, which is always the first Tuesday in November. The Sunbury Show is considered the biggest one-day dog show in Australia and attracts a full international panel of judges.
The show takes place at the Sunbury Recreation Reserve, situated on Riddell Road in Sunbury. Sunbury, located approximately 35 kilometres north of Melbourne, is a charming country town known for its wineries, restaurants, and picturesque countryside. Visitors to the area can also explore popular attractions such as Hanging Rock, Mt Macedon, Emu Bottom, and Rupertswood. The town of Sunbury is also famous as the home of the “Ashes,” the most coveted trophy in the game of cricket.
The Sunbury Canine Club show is held on a large football oval, and all rings are equipped with generously-sized marquees that provide shade or shelter for the dogs and their handlers. As part of the enjoyable holiday picnic day atmosphere, DOG and BITCH CHALLENGE winners at the show receive a bottle of champagne. Many groups hold barbeques or parties, allowing dog clubs and friends to come together for a fun-filled day.
The Sunbury Show is held in conjunction with various speciality breed shows, as well as group shows such as the Gundog Club, Non Sporting Club, Working Dog Club, Hound Club, and Victorian Women's Dog Club All Breed show. This creates an exciting four-day weekend of canine celebrations.
For interstate and overseas visitors attending the show, the club offers free wine, cheese, and biscuits, along with a comfortable place to sit and watch the judging. The show's major sponsor, ADVANCE, also provides a hospitality marquee. On-site catering is available, and numerous stalls offer a wide range of dog showing merchandise.
During the luncheon break, attendees can enjoy additional attractions such as Junior Handlers and Veterans classes. Also, in the spirit of the Melbourne Cup, there are yearly prizes for the Fashions on the Field Competition held at lunchtime, both for adults and juniors. Additionally, there is a bookmaker on the grounds to take bets on all the horse races held throughout the day, including the world-famous Melbourne Cup. The judging briefly pauses for the broadcast of the Melbourne Cup race.
The Sunbury Canine Club Inc warmly welcomes all dog enthusiasts, whether they are competitors or spectators, to join in the excitement of their annual show and experience the enjoyable atmosphere that the Melbourne Cup Weekend Canine Carnival has to offer.