Written by Lita Luse, a lifestyle journalist and dog enthusiast.
Currently, she is an owner of two quirky Westies and an active mongrel.
During the pandemic, most international dog shows in Europe had to take a pause. Now, as things are looking brighter, it is once again possible to compete against other furry friends.
Showing a dog can be quite fun both for you and your four-legged friend. Of course, as long as you choose a great event.
Do you think your pup has what it takes to be among the best? Here is a list of the biggest international dog shows in Europe in 2021/2022.
NB! As dates, schedules and prices can change, be sure to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information.
The dates and prices here are accurate as of 25th of October 2021.
Podgorica
Location: Podgorica, Montenegro
Website: http://kdpodgorica.com
Two international and three specialized dog shows will take place in Podgorica, Montenegro, on 30 and 31 October 2021. The best of the breed can win a rosette, no matter the number of dogs registered in the race.
In addition, the most beautiful dog of the competition (BIS), as well as the second and third place, will take home a cup and also dog food.
Keep in mind that participants in Podgorica can only be dogs with pedigree issued by the cynological association recognized by the International cynological federation (FCI). If you have an aggressive dog – they must wear a muzzle.
Prices range from 30 to 40 euros per dog.
International Bull Terrier Weekend
Location: The Netherlands
Website: http://www.bullterrierclub.nl/en/events/international-weekend/
Ready to have a taste of victory? If you think that your Bull Terrier has got what it takes to become the winner, show them off at the International Bull Terrier Weekend, which will take place on 20 & 21 November 2021.
The event is organized by the Dutch Bull Terrier Club.
Since the show will be set at Hotel Zuiderduin, those who require accommodation may use the company’s special offer and stay at the hotel for an attractive price. Of course, your furry friend is welcome too.
The price of a ticket is 45 euros.
Holland Cup and International Dog Show of Bleiswijk
Location: Holland, The Netherlands
Website: http://www.dogshowbleiswijk.nl/
At the beginning of November 2021, the 29th and 30th International Dog show Bleiswijk (the Holland Cup) will occur in the Netherlands.
This is the only dog show in the country that offers the possibility of three times CAC in just one weekend.
Unfortunately, currently, both days of the competition (from 6th to 7th November) are filled, so it is not possible to join the show anymore.
All breeds will be judged according to the current FCI breed standards, which you can find on www.fci.be.
On the 6th of November, the show will start at 9:30 AM, but exhibitors will receive a schedule for the inspection of their dog one week in advance.
To show off your four-legged friend, you must purchase a ticket. Depending on your dog’s age, the price ranges from 38 to 59 euros. Find more information here.
Manenblusserscup
Location: Manenblusser, Belgium
Website: https://www.onlinedogshows.eu/en/Show/Index/2211
To show off your senior or junior dog, plan a visit to Herent, in Belgium, where the Manenblusserscup is going to be held from 6th to 7th November, 2021.
Judging is planned to happen according to a schedule that will be sent to the participants before the shows.
The entry fee is 25 euros for younger dogs and 35 euros for veterans.
Geneva
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Website: http://www.chiens-expo.ch/GENEVE/index.html
Ready to explore Switzerland? One of the biggest dog shows of the year is going to take place in Geneva from 19th to 21st November 2021.
Aim for the title “Champion of the Alpes” while your furry friend participates in the all breeds CAC or CACIB show.
In Switzerland, dogs with cropped tails and ears are prohibited from participating in dog shows.
Keep in mind that to enter the country, a dog must have a veterinary certificate of vaccination against rabies, which must have been carried out at least 21 days before crossing the border.
The entry fee varies from 37 to 52 euros. If you have multiple dogs participating, you may get a discount. Here you can find more information.
Kerst Winner Show / Christmas Winner Show
Location: Gorinchem, The Netherlands
Website: https://www.winnershow.nl
The International purebred dog show will be held this year in the Evenementenhal in Gorinchem, Netherlands.
The major event is planned to take place just before Christmas 2021 – on December 11 and December 12. If you and your dog are lucky, you might get an award of CAC, CACIB, and Winner titles.
The registration fees are the same as the previous year – the prices range from 40 to 55 euros. The show, which is considered one of the best in the industry, allows parking campers at the event hall, which is convenient for those traveling from distant places.
Who knew waiting for holidays in the Netherlands could be so fun?
Brussels Dog Show
Location: Brussels, Belgium
To end the year on a good note, participate in the Brussels Dog Show from 18th to 19th December. On the first day, two shows are going to be held – CACIB and CAC. Then, on 19th December, the winner of Belgian breeds will be determined.
Like other shows, the entry fee starts at 37 euros for puppies and older dogs, while the rest must purchase a ticket for 52 euros. These prices, however, are valid only until 26th October. After that – they will be more expensive.
Dogshow Eindhoven
Location: Eindhoven, the Netherlands
Website: https://dogshoweindhoven.nl/en
One event you shouldn’t miss next year is the 44th International Dogshow in Eindhoven. Planned to take place on February 5 and 6 2022, more than 2000 dogs of different breeds will participate in the impressive happening.
Among judges, you will find professionals from The Netherlands, Luxemburg, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, and Austria. Keep in mind that cropped and/or docked dogs are no longer allowed on the show.
Whether you are a professional groomer or just a dog enthusiast, this will be a wonderful experience and opportunity to renew your knowledge about different breeds. Around the venue, you will find a variety of commodities and information on furry friends.
The participation price ranges from 35 to 58 euros.
The Euro Dog Show
Location: Paris, France
Website: https://edsparis2022.fr/en/home-2/
One of the most significant events of the year 2022 – the Euro Dog Show – is going to take place in Paris – the capital of love. Currently, it is planned to be held from 21st to 23rd April 2022
Unfortunately, the major dog event had been postponed for two years due to the pandemic, but now it is finally back.
Since France has a long tradition in cynology, the competition is expected to be even better, as usual, writes worlddogfinder.com. Now, there are not a lot of details available yet, but make sure to mark your calendar for Europe’s most prestigious dog show.
Crufts
Location: Birmingham, UK
Website: https://www.crufts.org.uk/show-information/
From March 10 to March 13, 2022, get ready for the biggest international dog show in the UK – Crufts, which is organized by The Kennel Club.
The impressive event celebrates every aspect of the role that dogs play in humans’ lives. The history of the show dates back to 1891 when its founder Charles Cruft booked an event into the Royal Agricultural Hall.
Nowadays, Crufts attracts more than 20 000 competitors and hundreds of thousands of visitors each year since the event is typically broadcast to an international television audience. However, keep in mind that no dogs other than those that have been invited by The Kennel Club are permitted into the show.
But even if you don’t get the chance to participate in the major event, it is still interesting to watch (even for those who aren’t dog enthusiasts).
Since the show is invitation only, you are guaranteed to see only the best of the best.
The World Dog Show
Location: Madrid, Spain
Website: https://www.wdsmadrid2020.com/index.php/en
Like the Euro Dog Show, the pandemic had an impact on the World Dog Show. Originally, the event was supposed to occur in 2020 but had to be rescheduled for 23-26 June 2022.
In the competition, three titles will be given: Junior World Winner 2022 (which will be awarded to the best male and the best female in junior class), World Winner 2022 (which will be given to the best male and female that has been awarded a CACIB).
And also Veteran World Winner 2022 (which will be awarded for the best dog grandma’s and grandpa’s).
During the four days, besides the shows, participants will be able to try out all kinds of activities related to the dog world, such as presentations, workshops, and conferences. Don’t forget to stop by the trade stands that will have everything one might need for their furry friend.
When participating in the show, you may only choose one class for your dog. The only exception – the Breeders Group Class and the Brace Class.
Photo of Madrid, Spain by Jorge Fernández Salas on Unsplash.