Major Dog Shows Around the World – ’26-’27 Guide
Love dogs and travel? Perhaps it’s time for a ‘dogshow-cation’.
If you’re a dog lover, your idea of heaven might just be a world-class dog show. It’s a chance to discover new breeds, chat with experts about canine behaviour and wellbeing, watch incredible displays of skill, and browse the latest products and accessories for your four-legged friend.
Today’s leading dog shows are far more than competitions. They’re major social and lifestyle events, attracting breeders, exhibitors and dog lovers from around the globe. From iconic events such as Crufts, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the World Dog Show to national favourites in Australia and Japan, each offers its own unique experience.
Whether you’re planning a holiday around one, or simply curious to know which events deserve a place on your bucket list, this guide highlights some of the world's most prestigious dog shows and what makes each one worth visiting. Consider this your sign to plan a ‘dogshow-cation’!
Highlights of attending a dog show
See exceptional dogs up close: Across rare breeds to perfectly groomed champions, the level of care and presentation is remarkable.
Understand breed differences: Watching judging in action gives real insight into structure, movement, and temperament.
Experience the atmosphere: The events have a distinctive energy with the buzz of competition to the quieter moments getting to know the different behind the scenes.
Discover new ideas for living with dogs: From accessories to lifestyle inspiration, there’s plenty to take away—especially for those who value both comfort and design in the home.
Quick guide: Major dog shows annual calendar
February —Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show (New York City, USA)
March — Crufts (Birmingham, UK)
March — Sydney Royal Dog Show (Sydney, Australia)
April — JKC Sakura Annual Show (Tokyo, Japan)
May — World Dog Show (International, rotating host country)
September — European Dog Show (Europe, rotating)
December — AKC National Championship (Orlando, USA)
Note that the scheduled month does change from year to year for some shows, so please confirm dates.
Your guide to the world’s most prestigious Dog Shows
World Dog Show – Tulln, Austria
Date: May 27-30, 2027
Venue: To be advised
Website: https://www.wds2027.at/
The World Dog Show is the ‘top dog’ international championship organised under the authority of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the world’s largest federation of national kennel clubs. Hosted by a different member country each year, it brings together thousands of dogs, breeders and handlers from around the world to compete for some of the most prestigious titles in the canine world.
Each host country puts its own stamp on the event, but visitors can expect far more than championship judging. For example, the 2026 event in Bologna, Italy attracted more than 31,000 entries representing 374 recognised breeds and featured the FCI World Dog Dancing Championship, agility competitions, junior handling, police and rescue dog demonstrations, and educational sessions introducing visitors to different breeds and responsible dog ownership. To celebrate Italy’s hosting of the event, the organizers integrated local Emilia-Romagna hospitality, food, and culture into the event experience.
The programme for 2027’s World Dog Show has yet to be announced but we’re sure the Austrian Kennel Club will put on a show to remember.
–– Good to know ––
The World Dog Show is recognised as the event that officially awards dogs the title of ‘World Winner’ or ‘World Champion’.
Europe
Crufts – Birmingham, UK
Cruft’s Dog Show Roundup for 2026
Date: March 4–7, 2027
Venue: The NEC Birmingham
Organised by The Royal Kennel Club, Crufts is the largest dog show in the world, welcoming almost 20,000 dogs annually. While it showcases the very best pedigree dogs, Crufts is equally popular with families and dog lovers, making it one of the most accessible major canine events in the world.
Some of the highlights include:
Competitions, including Best in Show, Friends for Life (Hero dogs and rescues), Scrufts (for crossbreeds), Agility, Flyball, Freestyle Heelwork to Music, and more.
The Good Citizen Dog Scheme Training Ring, the UK’s largest dog training programme, offering expert advice and demonstrations.
The Dog Activities Ring where you can learn how to unleash your dog’s potential!
Over 500 trade stands featuring exclusive show offers, new products, and everything you need for you and your dog.
Discover Dogs: The perfect place for any dog lover! Explore over 200 different breeds, meet and pet dogs of all shapes, sizes, and personalities.
Tickets usually go on sale mid-to-late November for the following year.
–– Fun Fact ––
Crufts holds the official Guinness World Record for the largest annual dog show, routinely attracting over 20,000 competing dogs and more than 160,000 human visitors
European Dog Show – Stockholm, Sweden
Date: September 4–6, 2026
Venue: Stockholmsmässan, Stockholm
2027 dates and location: 3-5 December 2027, Alicante, Spain
The European Dog Show is hosted by a different European member kennel club each year, allowing visitors to experience the event in a new European destination each year. Alongside championship breed judging, the programme includes junior handling, breed specialities, educational seminars and a trade exhibition. Typically the show will attract over 10,000 dogs representing over 300 breeds.
Highlights include:
Prestige titles: Dogs of all FCI-recognized breeds compete for European Winner and Junior European Winner titles.
Group & specialty shows: Features Junior Handling competitions, Best Veteran, Best Couple, and Breeder Group showcases.
Seminars and educational events
Expo
–– Worth Knowing ––
The host country strongly influences the number of entries for specific breeds so expect to see more Nordic and Arctic breeds – like the Swedish White Elkhound, the Hällefors Dog and the Norrbottenspitz – at the Stockholm Show.
America
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – New York City, USA
Date: January 30 – February 1–2, 2027
Venue: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Madison Square Garden
Website: https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/westminster-week/
Founded in 1877, the all-breed Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the United States. This show is reserved for the champions of champion dogs, with most competitors already holding American championship titles before they qualify. The competition is conformation focused, where dogs are evaluated on their breed standard, and culminates in a highly televised, glamorous Best in Show finale at Madison Square Garden.
Besides the breed and group judging, spectators can wander the backstage ‘benching area’ to watch handlers groom and prepare dogs, chat with breeders and see over 200 breeds up close. As well as breed competitions, the programme also includes fun agility and obedience trials.
Tickets for 2027 are already available to purchase online.
–– Fun Fact ––
The show is so old that early entries included two Staghounds from the late General George Custer’s pack, two Deerhounds bred by Queen Victoria of England, and a Siberian Wolfhound bred by the Czar of Russia.
AKC National Championship – Orlando, Florida
Date: December 12–13, 2026
Venue: Orange County Convention Center
Website: https://www.akc.org/sports/conformation/national-championship/
Hosted by the American Kennel Club, the AKC National Championship is one of the largest and most prestigious dog shows in North America. Held each December in Orlando, Florida, it attracts more than 5,000 dogs from around the world, all competing for the coveted Best in Show title.
Alongside championship breed judging, the programme includes a packed schedule of canine sports and special events:
Breed judging and Best in Show
Agility & obedience trials
Demonstrations – Trick dog showcases, scent work demonstrations
Meet the breeds in the staging and benching areas
Vendor stalls
Whether you’re interested in pedigree dogs, canine performance sports or simply seeing some of the world’s finest dogs in action, the AKC National Championship offers one of the most comprehensive celebrations of dog excellence in the United States.
–– Dog Show Trivia ––
While the AKC National Championship offers a substantial cash prize for its Best in Show winner (around US$50K), most of the other leading dog shows offer only prestige. At Crufts the cash award is very modest, while Westminster awards no cash prize at all for its Best in Show title.
Asia & Oceania
Sydney Royal Dog Show – Sydney, Australia
Date: March 19–30, 2027
Venue: Sydney Olympic Park
Website: https://www.eastershow.com.au/
While smaller than many of the other dog shows listed here, The Sydney Royal Dog Show is one of Australia’s premier canine competitions with a history going back to 1869. The show runs for more than a week as part of the Sydney Royal Easter Show, and attracts more than 3,000 entries across more than 200 breeds each year. Exhibitors compete across traditional conformation, including FCI titles, as well as obedience, agility, rally, scent work, trick dog and more.
Highlights:
Best in Show, Agility & Obedience and Hero Dog competitions
Police Canine Displays
Grooming Championships: Watch doggy makeovers
Dog Jump & Agility: Dogs showcase their jumping and weaving skills.
Meet the Breed & Bark Park: Interactive areas where visitors can learn more about different breeds, chat with experts, and enjoy doggie play areas
Entrance to the Sydney Royal Dog Show is included with your general admission to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Discounted early bird tickets go on sale early to mid February. We recommend visiting the website and signing up to receive updates so that you are notified when tickets go on sale.
–– Good to know ––
As an integral part of the Sydney Royal Easter Show—a major highlight on Australia’s social calendar — one admission ticket gives you access to championship dogs, livestock competitions, equestrian events, live entertainment, carnival rides and hundreds of food and shopping stalls. True value for animal lovers.
JKC Sakura Annual Show 2027, Tokyo Japan
Date: April 2-4, 2027
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, East Halls 5 & 6 (TBC)
Organised by the Japan Kennel Club, the JKC Sakura Annual Show is Japan’s largest and most prestigious dog show. Held each spring at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition centre, it attracts more than 2,000 purebred dogs representing over 130 breeds, with exhibitors and visitors travelling from across Japan and overseas.
Alongside championship breed judging, visitors can enjoy grooming competitions—including the coveted Best in Japan title—puppy and junior events, agility and obedience demonstrations, and a large retail area showcasing the latest dog products and accessories. Unlike many major shows, visitors can also bring their own dogs, creating a lively celebration of Japan’s dog-loving culture.
–– Hall of Fame ––
The German Shepherd ‘Jucki von der Freiheit Westerholt’ holds the official Guinness World Records title for the most successful international show dog having won an unprecedented 67 Best in Show titles across five continents between 1992 and 2001.
Which dog show should you visit?
Whether you’re drawn to the tradition of Westminster, the scale of Crufts, the international prestige of the World Dog Show or the unique atmosphere of the Sydney Royal Easter Show, each event offers its own window into the world of dogs.
Beyond the competition, these shows celebrate the extraordinary bond between people and their dogs. They’re places to discover new breeds, learn from experts, meet passionate owners and breeders, and come away with fresh ideas for living well with your own four-legged companion.
As dates and venues are announced each year, we’ll keep this guide updated to help you plan your next ‘dogshow-cation’ —wherever in the world it may take you.