The World Dog Show brings thousands of dogs from all over the world to Helsinki in August

More than ten thousand dogs from all over the world are expected to attend the World Dog Show 2025. The show is the largest International Canine Federation (FCI) event of the year. It was last held in Finland in 2014 and before that in 1998.

"We are delighted to once again invite dog show enthusiasts from all over the world to Helsinki for a unique dog event. Helsinki is known and appreciated as an event city. Cleanliness, a wide range of services and the city’s dog friendliness are key factors for the organiser of such a large dog show," says Kimmo Mustonen, Chairman of the Event Committee.

In connection with the World Dog Show, a total of 257 dog breeds will be showcased in Circuit Shows on 7 August. 

A full programme for all dog enthusiasts

Over 340 breeds from all over the world can be seen at the World Dog Show and Circuit Shows events. In addition, for each day of the event a programme has been put together under different themes for all those interested in dogs.

The event programme is divided into four different themes each day. Below are the highlights of the themes for the different days.

Thursday 7 August Active hobbyist day

Those who have registered for the Circuit Shows and the junior handler competitions of the event days will be able to practise in the show training sessions of the event ring. 

Friday 8 August Dog wellbeing day

In addition to show training, the event ring includes physical training for dogs, dog first aid training, dog exercises, as well as information on the smartDOG dog personality test and how to implement a dog's behavioural needs in everyday life. Helena Telkänranta, who has a PhD in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, will be present in the event ring.

In addition to the World Dog Show, the World Challenge of Top Dogs 2025 will be organised by the International Canine Federation FCI on Friday, in which the most successful show dogs in FCI member countries will compete against each other for the FCI Top Dog 2025 title.

Saturday 9 August Puppy buyer’s day

In the exhibition hall Arena, you can experience a Dog Kalevala short play, an Agidance Show that combines agility and dog dance, a search and rescue dog show, a dog activity compilation, a Dobo show that develops a dog's muscle strength, concentration and body control, and a presentation of Finnish dog breeds. 

In addition to show training, the event ring programme includes a ball herding show, a Dobo show, a flyball show, dog trick training, a nosework show, an Agidance show and a dog dance show.

Sunday 10 August A dog’s life

The Arena will have the same programme as on Saturday. In addition, the award ceremony for the dog photography competition of the World Dog Press Association will be held on Sunday. The prize-winning photographs can be seen in the exhibition in the southern lobby of Messukeskus.

The programme in the event ring is the same as on Saturday. At 11:30 a.m., the Kennel Club’s information stage will host the English-language lecture Crossbreeding as a breeding tool by the Kennel Club’s Head of Department, Kaisa Gold.

All programme information can be found here.

Special attention will be paid to the well-being of dogs at the event

As with other dog shows organised by the Finnish Kennel Club, special attention will be paid to dog welfare at the World Dog Show 2025 and Circuit Shows. The event will be attended by dog well-being advisers of the Finnish Kennel Club, who will guide and advise owners who bring their dogs to the show. This activity already had a good reception at the annual Dog Fair organised by the Finnish Kennel Club in Messukeskus.

Mustonen says that Finnish dog show culture is appreciated around the world, and it also sets a good example for dog show organisers in other countries. The starting point is that the dogs' well-being should always be at the centre of all dog events.

More than 20,000 dogs have already been registered for the event week’s shows

Almost 13,000 dogs have already been registered for the World Dog Show 2025 and more than 7,000 dogs for the Circuit Shows.

At the World Dog Show 2025, the dog competitions are divided over three different days in accordance with the breed groups of the International Canine Federation (FCI). The finals for the best dogs of different breeds are held every day at Messukeskus Arena starting at 4 p.m. The Best in Show dog will be chosen on Sunday.

Nearly one hundred dog supply sellers will participate in the event. The Finnish Kennel Club’s activities, such as friend and reading dogs and youth activities, as well as the Finnish Canine Museum, are presented at their own stands. The Dog Museum also has an exhibition in the southern lobby of Messukeskus. 

The event’s partners are the dog food brand PrimaDog, Paikka, which produces products for dogs and dog owners, and Loisto Veterinarians.

The event is subject to a charge. Tickets can be purchased from the Messukeskus online store.

For further information, please contact:

Head Of Communications
Liisa Suoninen
Finnish Kennel Club
liisa.suoninen@kennelliitto.fi
tel. +358 (0)50 320 3897

Inquiries about registration to the shows: info@showlink.fi