Britain’s Rarest Breeds Head to Leeds for Yorkshire’s Largest Dog Show

  • One of the largest dog shows in the UK
  • More than 7,000 dogs will compete over three days
  • Over 200 breeds on show
  • The opportunity to see rare breeds including the English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)
  • Dogs competing for a spot at the world famous Crufts dog show, to be held next March in Birmingham
  • Many trade stands selling all things ‘doggy’
  • Dogs welcome!

Britain’s rarest breeds will be among the more than 7,000 dogs which will be descending on the Harewood Estate at Harewood near Leeds from 22nd– 24th July for the popular Leeds Championship Dog Show – the largest event of its kind in Yorkshire and among the biggest in the UK.

The show will see more than 200 breeds and their owners from all over the British Isles and beyond compete in a bid to qualify for the world’s biggest dog show, Crufts, which will be held at the NEC in Birmingham next March. 

The pedigree dogs taking part will be judged on a number of factors in the ring, including temperament and that they are fit, healthy and happy dogs that are good examples of their breed, as they compete for the ultimate ‘Best in Show’ prize.

The show is one of the largest gatherings of dogs in the UK and will see rare native British and Irish breeds competing, such as the English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) originating from England, the Welsh Terrier from Wales, the Skye Terrier from Scotland, and the Irish Red and White Setter from Ireland. 

These breeds are bred in such small numbers today that they are considered by the Kennel Club to be at risk of disappearing from the UK’s streets and parks.  Alongside these breeds will be some of the more well-known ones such as the Golden Retriever, Whippet, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel and Irish Setter.

The show is perfect for families researching the right breed of dog for them, and visitors will be able to meet the dogs themselves as well as talk to experts in each breed about finding a good breeder, what to expect from the breed, and training and care requirements.

Liz Stannard, secretary of the show, said: “Ours is the largest dog show in Yorkshire as well as one of the biggest in the UK and naturally we are very proud of that fact. With the historic and beautiful venue of Harewood House, the show is very popular with summer holidaymakers and brings thousands of dog lovers to the area each year. We are expecting this year’s show to be bigger and better than ever.

“The show is a huge celebration of man’s best friend and visitors will get to meet lots of wonderful dogs throughout the weekend, find out more about dog showing and the various activities they can get involved in with their own dog, and browse the many dog products on the trade stands.

“Anyone thinking about getting a pedigree dog can come along and research their favourite breeds, as well as some of the lesser known breeds they may not even have heard of, and take the opportunity to meet the dogs themselves, which is definitely a favourite with families.

“One of the Bulldog clubs is holding its annual championship show in conjunction with our event on the Saturday, so there will be ample opportunity for people interested in Bulldogs to meet the breeders, learn about this highly specialised breed from experts and pet a few dogs!”

Competition classes are held across the seven pedigree dog groups.  Friday 22ndJuly will see the Working, Pastoral and Terrier breeds competing, followed by the Toy and Utility breeds on Saturday 23rdand the Hound and Gundog breeds on Sunday 24th. Sunday also sees the climax of the competition – Best in Show – followed by Best Puppy in Show and Best Veteran in Show. 

The show is one of 37 Group and General Championship Dog Shows licensed by the Kennel Club throughout the year, which enable dogs to qualify for next year’s Crufts.

Entry to the show is free and car parking costs £5. The public can bring their own dogs with them to the show, for a fee of £10, but will have to sign a declaration that their dog is free from any illness and ensure their dog is under control at all times. Spectator dogs may not compete at the show and must be at least four months of age.

To find out more, visit www.highampress.co.uk/leeds.pdf.

Read more information on dog showing, and any other activity dog owners can get involved in with their dogs.