- Somerset’s largest dog show and one of the biggest in the UK
- Almost 8,000 dogs will compete over four days
- Come and meet some of the UK’s most popular breeds of dog
- The opportunity to see rare native British and Irish breeds
- See dogs taking their Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme obedience test
- Dogs competing for a spot at the world famous Crufts dog show, to be held next March in Birmingham
- Scruffts qualifying classes on the Saturday
- Many trade stands selling all things ‘doggy’
- All dogs welcome!
British and Irish native dog breeds, including some very rare ones, will be among the almost 8,000 dogs which will descend on Three Shires Field in Bannerdown, Bath from 26th – 29th May for the popular Bath Championship Dog Show, the largest event of its kind in Somerset and one of the biggest in the UK.
The show will see more than 200 breeds and their owners from all over the UK 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 British and Irish breeds competing, such as the Irish Red & White Setter, Bloodhound, Smooth Collie, Mastiff, Cardigan Corgi and Norwich Terrier.
These breeds are bred in such small numbers today that they are considered by the Kennel Club to be at risk of disappearing from Britain’s streets and parks. Alongside these breeds will be some of the more well-known breeds such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Border Collie, Irish Setter, Whippet, Labrador Retriever, Boxer, Poodle, Dachshund and Pug.
In addition to breed judging, the show is holding Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme bronze award obedience testing, so visitors can watch a range of events and find out more about the different activities that dogs can get involved in.
On the Saturday, a Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year qualifying heat will be held. Judging starts at 12.30pm. Read the entry criteria for each of the six classes.
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.
Ben Ford, secretary of the show, said: “We are very proud that our event is the largest dog show in Somerset and among the largest in the UK. It brings thousands of dog lovers to the area each year and 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 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.”
Competition classes are held across the seven pedigree dog groups. Friday 26th May will see the Toy and Terrier breeds competing, followed by the Gundog breeds on Saturday 27th, the Working and Pastoral breeds on Sunday 28th and the Utility and Hound breeds on Monday 29th. Monday also sees the climax of the competition – Best in Show – followed by Best Puppy 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. Visitors can bring dogs to the show with them for an entry fee of £5 payable at the gate.