- Among the biggest dog shows in the UK
- Over 4,000 dogs will compete during the two days of the show
- Over 200 breeds on show
- Watch the exciting agility and obedience competitions
- The opportunity to see rare Scottish breeds including the Deerhound
- 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’
- All dogs welcome!
Scottish native dog breeds, including some very rare ones, will be among the 4,000 plus dogs which will descend on the Royal Highland Showground, Ingliston, Edinburgh from 27th – 28th August for the popular Scottish Kennel Club Championship Dog Show – one of the largest dog shows in Scotland, as well as 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 Scottish breeds competing, such as the Deerhound, Skye Terrier, Gordon Setter and Dandie Dinmont 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 Scotland’s streets and parks. Alongside these breeds will be some of the more well-known Scottish breeds such as the West Highland White Terrier, Golden Retriever, Rough Collie and Shetland Sheepdog.
In addition to breed judging, the show is holding obedience and agility competitions, so visitors can watch a range of events and find out more about the different activities that dogs can get involved in.
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.
Beth Harrison, Secretary of the Scottish Kennel Club, said: “Ours is one of the largest dog shows in Scotland, as well as the UK, and naturally we are very proud of that fact. Being held in vibrant Edinburgh, around the time of the Fringe Festival and the world famous Military Tattoo, 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. We are very excited to have Scruffts back with us again this year and we are also holding a demonstration of rally on the Saturday. On both days we will be holding Good Citizen Scheme bronze testing.
“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. Saturday 27th August will see the Gundog, Hound and Terrier breeds competing, as well as the agility competition. Working, Pastoral, Utility and Toy breeds can be seen on Sunday 28th along with the obedience competition. Sunday 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.
Admission prices are £5 for adults, £3 children/concessions and £12 families (two adults and two children over three years of age). Car parking costs £5, payable to the Royal Highland Centre. Visitors can bring dogs to the show with them as spectator dogs for an entry fee of £5 payable at the gate.
More information on the show can be found at www.scottishkennelclub.org. To find out more about dog showing, or any other activity dog owners can get involved in with their dogs, visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk.