- One of the largest dog shows in the UK
- More than 4,000 dogs will compete over two days
- The opportunity to meet rare and popular native Scottish breeds
- Watch children of all ages taking part in their own dog handling competitions
- Over 200 breeds in total
- See dogs taking part in obedience and agility
- Many trade stands selling all things ‘doggy’
- Dogs welcome!
Scottish native dog breeds, both rare and popular, will be among the 4,000 plus dogs which will descend on the Royal Highland Showground, Ingliston, Edinburgh from 26th – 27th August for the popular Scottish Kennel Club Championship Dog Show – one of the largest events of its kind 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 native Scottish breeds competing, such as the Skye Terrier, Deerhound, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Gordon Setter and Bearded Collie.
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 Golden Retriever, Cairn Terrier, Rough Collie, Scottish Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog and West Highland White Terrier.
In addition to breed judging, the show is holding a number of other activities, so visitors can watch a range of events and find out more about the different activities that dogs can get involved in. The Premier Agility competition, including the Scottish Agility Dog of the Year competition, will be held on both days. SKC Beginners Obedience and Young Kennel Club Obedience will both be held on the Saturday, along with a heat of Scruffts for crossbreeds. Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme bronze testing will run on both days of the show.
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 Royal 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 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.”
Pedigree dog classes are held across the seven dog groups. Saturday 26th August will see the Working, Pastoral, Toy and Utility breeds competing, followed by the Terrier, Hound and Gundog breeds on Sunday 27th. 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.
Admission prices are £5 for adults, £3 children/concessions and £12 for 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.
To find out more, visit www.scottishkennelclub.org. Read more information on dog showing, and any other activity dog owners can get involved in with their dogs.