An array of pets and their owners take part in annual Caroline Bay Carnival competition

After half-an-hour of sitting still, looking pretty and listening to commands, Billie the border collie would be treated to a run under the hose after winning an annual Caroline Bay Carnival competition.

The 1-year-old dog was one of 10 pooches in the annual pet parade, held on Tuesday morning, and after winning her section, went on to be awarded the top pet trophy.

For Billie’s owner, Lucas Thomson, 8, the fact she won came as a shock, but he did think her beautiful coat, cleaned by him the night before, might have had something to do with it.

“I’m very excited,’’ Lucas said following the winner’s announcement.

There was stiff competition for Billie – the competition also attracted three guinea pigs and two chickens.

As the small crowd watched, the competition’s judge made her way around the pets, talking to the owners and patting the furry entrants.

There were plenty of cute entrants in the dog section, with canines showing off their ability to shake paws on demand, to sit, and to stay still – not an easy task with a crowd looking on and other pooches to sniff.

For her efforts, Billie won a stuffed toy and her owner a pet store voucher.

The competition's judge Robyn, who did not want to give her last name, said the decision was a tough one with many of the animals worthy contestants.

“It was my first time judging, and it was extremely difficult,’' she said.

She said Billie stood out as she was well-handled by her owner.

“It was a pleasure to judge the competition.’’

Egg and spoon races will begin at 11am on Wednesday with Kaylee Bell playing at the Soundshell on Thursday.

The 13-day carnival finishes on Sunday with a 90-minute show from 2pm at the Caroline Bay Soundshell.