Canine Welfare

Welfare and handling of dogs

The Danish Kennel Club is committed to the health and welfare of all dogs exhibited at the EDS. We expect all exhibitors to handle the dogs with care and consideration, and with full attention to the welfare.

Health and condition:

Only dogs that are in good physical and mental condition may participate.
Dogs showing signs of illness, injury or distress must not be brought into the show grounds or presented in the ring. Judges and officials have the authority to excuse any dog if there are concerns about its health or welfare.


Exhibitors are reminded to pay attention to and adhere to the following instructions while showing the dog:

• Dogs must always be handled in a calm and respectful manner. Any form of harsh handling, unnecessary pressure or behaviour that may cause fear, stress or discomfort to the dog is strictly prohibited. Dogs should be presented in a way that reflects their natural behaviour and physical well-being. Training methods used in preparation for the show must also respect the dog’s welfare at all times.
• Dogs should be handled in a way that allows them to run at free will during the judging of the dog. If the leash is tight, it is because the dog has chosen to pull in a forward motion. (It is not acceptable to handle a dog in a manner which causes its feet not to touch the ground when on the move or by pulling too tight on the lead).
• Dogs that need to be lifted to and from the table during judging, must be lifted in a way that supports the dog’s body in a comfortably way.
  (Picking up dogs, often terriers, by their necks and/or tails is not permitted).
• Exhibitors should note that any practices that constitutes harsh handling will be pointed out and reported to the Show Committee under The Danish Kennel Club.

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Dogs in vehicles

The exhibitors are responsible for safeguarding the welfare of the dogs at dog shows. It is forbidden to put the dog in a situation that can be dangerous for its health and welfare.

Even in moderate weather, temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly and pose a serious risk. Leaving a dog in a car without proper ventilation, shade and supervision can quickly become dangerous. Therefore, dogs must not be left unattended in cars at any time. Exceptions to this are only if the car is air conditioned with a clear sign about this in the car window.

If the show management or the show veterinarian finds dogs left in potentially - or definitely - hot cars, it will be announced in the loudspeakers once or twice. If the dogs are not removed from the cars immediately, the matter will be passed on to the police. Event staff may intervene if a dog is considered to be at risk.

Exhibitors disregarding and disrespecting the welfare of their dogs will have all their dogs' results taken away and banished from the show.

Be responsible!

Environment and care

Exhibitors are responsible for ensuring that their dogs are kept in appropriate conditions throughout the event.

This includes:

• Access to fresh water at all times
• Adequate rest and recovery between activities
• Protection from extreme temperatures, noise and stress
• Safe and comfortable resting areas

Dogs must never be left unattended in situations where their welfare could be compromised.

Cages and grooming tables

If cages, crates og pens are used for temporary lodging the dog, the following must be adhered to:

• The cages, crates or pens used must be spacious enough that a dog (or dogs) can comfortably sit, stand and lay down. (The use of cages with wire false floors, where the dog is not sitting on the base of the cage, is not permitted).
• Dogs must have access to water inside the cage, crate or pen.
• Dogs must be taken out of the cage, crate or pen to exercise and/or offered to toilet approximately every hour.
• Dogs on grooming tables must be always tended to, and the handler/owner must be very close by the dog. (Dogs must not be left unattended wearing a grooming leash on a grooming table).

Pay attention to your dog

The European Dog Show is a public show and for the safety of all concerned, dogs should not be left unattended at any time. The venue is very spacious. Please take advantage of this aspect and keep a safe distance to other dogs, handlers, and guests. We would like for the show to be a great experiencing for everyone who is attending.

Please keep the venue clean

With thousands of dogs attending the European Dog Show 2028, it is imperative that all exhibitors act as responsible dog owners and clean up after your dog(s) – both for sanitary and contamination reasons.

There will be established outdoor dog-toilet areas as well plenty of green exercise areas around the venue for this purpose. There are trash bins throughout the venue and “poop bags” are handed out each morning upon arrival to the venue. We have made it easy – all you must do, is pick up the poop!

Respect from visitors

Visitors are an important part of the event – and we kindly ask everyone to interact with dogs responsibly.

• Always ask the owner before approaching or petting a dog
• Be mindful that some dogs need space and calm surroundings
• Avoid disturbing dogs near the rings or resting areas

A respectful approach helps ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all dogs.