Thousands Of Canines Head To Guildford For Dog Show

Published on: 11 Aug, 2017
Updated on: 18 Aug, 2017

By Jan Todd

Thousands of dogs are heading to Guildford for one of the largest dog shows in the UK, featuring over 200 breeds of dog.

More than 6,000 dogs will compete in the Richmond Championship Dog Show at Loseley Park, near Guildford, over three days, from Friday September 8 to Sunday September 10.

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

The event will be an opportunity to see rare British and Irish dog breeds, some of which are considered by the Kennel Club to be at risk of disappearing from Britain. Alongside these rare breeds will be some of the UK’s most popular and well-known breeds of dog.

Whippets line up to be judged at Richmond dog show. Photo by Heidi Hudson.

In addition to breed judging, the show will hold Young Kennel Club and Junior Handling Association classes, so visitors can watch a range of events and find out more about the different activities that dogs can get involved in.

Dr Ron James, secretary of the show, said: “Ours is the largest dog show in Surrey, as well as one of the biggest in the UK, so naturally we are very proud of that fact. Being held in the historic setting of Loseley Park, the show is very popular with visitors 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.”

Admission to the show is free and car parking costs £10. Visitors may bring their own dog to the show for a fee of £5, 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. Visitors’ dogs may not compete at the show and must be at least four months of age.

To find out more, visit www.richmonddogshow.org.uk/.

More information on dog showing, and any other activity dog owners can get involved in with their dogs, can be found at www.thekennelclub.org.uk.