30,000 taking part in the World Dog Show
The preparations are already in full swing – the world’s biggest dog show will run for four days at the Leipzig Exhibition Centre. A total of 30,000 pedigree dogs from 70 countries will be presented at the World Dog Show and German Winner Show from 8 – 12 November! It is being organised by the German canine organisation “Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen e.V. (VDH)”. “We are looking forward to the honourable and challenging task of running the 2017 World Dog Show in Leipzig!”, commented Professor Dr. Peter Friedrich, who is the organisation’s president.
The international event will focus on prize-winning champions, as well as a large number of hopeful newcomers with a promising future. Entrants from more than 290 breeds will take part in their respective competitions with the goal of being in the final at the end with the chance of being crowned “World Champion” and “Junior World Champion”. Some of them could not be more different with regard to looks. The Chihuahuas, sometimes weighting just 2 ½ kg, are among the smallest, for example. On the other hand, there are real heavyweights in the form of 70 kg Mastiffs. All of them will be assessed by nearly 200 experienced show judges according to different criteria. In addition to their appearance, their behaviour, condition and charisma also play a major part.
In the run-up to the World Dog Show, the German Winner Show will also take place on 8 November. This show has been established in Leipzig since 2013 and is one of the most important pedigree dog shows in Germany.
However, what will be the 7th World Dog Show organised in Germany (since 1935) is also a major accomplishment for the organisers because the biggest show put on by the world association - Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) – once a year was originally scheduled to take place in Ecuador. However, it was switched to Germany as a result of the earthquake that occurred in April 2016. This means the organisers had only 16 months to prepare everything instead of the customary four years. After immediately renting the show grounds, congress centre and vacant hotel rooms, the show judges also had to be engaged at short notice. Not an easy undertaking because these internationally recognised experts often plan their commitments as much as several years in advance. A further challenge was posed by the large number of registrations from Eastern Europe, for which additional Russian-speaking personnel have been appointed.
VDH Chief Executive Leif Kopernik is confident: “In Leipzig, we have a modern exhibition centre available with a hall area covering 85,000 square metres, enabling us to create generous amounts of space for exhibitors and visitors.”
This is important because the visitors will also be presented with an exciting programme in addition to the competitions in the show rings, with the agility entrants competing to become German Champion, for example. Here, the dogs have to complete an obstacle course with hurdles, slalom poles and tunnels as quickly as possible.
The new European Dog Diving Champion primarily needs jumping power – in Leipzig, it has to manage the longest jump from a ramp into a tank of water. By the way: visitors’ dogs can also test their sporting talent here.
At the Dog Dancing World Championships with 120 competitors, the dog and its handler are a team. Together, they display rhythmic movements to music. Typical moves include 360 degree turns, walking backwards and jumping over the dog handler’s arms.
Rescue and herding dogs also give demonstrations of their important work in the daily show programme. In addition, comedy dogs provide a good atmosphere with their performance of funny tricks. And for dog lovers that want to spoil their little darlings with culinary delights or accessories, 200 industry exhibitors offer a great choice of products on their stands. Extra-soft dog sofas, dog leads in all colours, toys or just plain delicious dog biscuits – there’s something for every taste.
The VDH expects around 80,000 visitors to attend the World Dog Show. There will be 15,000 parking spaces available to them, with 1,800 caravan places also provided for the exhibitors.
Further information: www.wds2017.de
Opening hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
German Winner Show
Wednesday, 8 November 2017
World Dog Show
Thursday, 9 November 2017
Friday, 10 November 2017
Saturday, 11 November 2017
Sunday, 12 November 2017
Admission charges
The daily admission charge at the ticket desk is €12 for adults, €9 for youngsters, students and severely disabled persons, €6 for children (6 - 12 years) and €28 for families (two adults with a maximum of two children) – online tickets are cheaper at www.wds2017.de
Visitors can bring their dogs with them, but they must have a vaccination card with a valid vaccination against rabies. The admission charge for visitors’ dogs is €3.