World Dog Show 2025: Our ultimate guide

World Dog Show competition
(Image credit: Jukka Pätynen / Koirakuvat.fi)

The World Dog Show 2025 is landing in Helsinki, Finland. This is one of the largest dog show in the world (with Crufts being the largest) and is taking place on August 8th–10th, with the circuit shows being held a day earlier on August 7th.

This event is held in a different country around the world each year. This year, the lucky hosts will be the Finnish Kennel Club, hosting this event at the Messukeskus Expo and Convention Centre. This is the third time this event is being held in Finland, due to all the positive praise they receive for how the show is run.

This event will see over 320 different breeds from around the world. If you needed anymore convincing to travel to Helsinki this summer, you'll be excited to know that Scandic Hotels has lifted the restrictions for dogs in hotel rooms from August 5-12th!

What is the World Dog Show 2025?

World Dog Show

(Image credit: Jukka Pätynen / Koirakuvat.fi)

This dog show lands in a different country each year. This year's show includes flyball, junior handling, and dance competitions to name a few. The most coveted titles are World Hope 2025, World Junior Winner 2025, World Winner 2025, and World Veteran Winner 2025.

It is a three-day event that runs in addition to the Circuit Show the day before. The Circuit Show focuses on competitions between specific breeds.

In addition to the competitions, there are also plenty of talks you can attend. Topics include canine first aid, teaching tricks, and heelwork to music, which includes a live demonstration.

Where to buy tickets for the World Dog Show

You can buy day tickets in advance from the Messukeskus web store. If you are attending the show more than one day, you will need to buy multiple day tickets.

You can also buy tickets on the door, although this is not recommended.

World Dog Show program

World Dog Show

(Image credit: Jukka Pätynen / Koirakuvat.fi)

Thursday at 9:00am there will be a drop-in session for Junior Trainers.

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Friday, August 8th

Time

Event

9:00am

Pre-judging of FCI World Challenge (Group 1)

1:15pm

Pre-judging of FCI World Challenge (Group 2)

2:00pm

Pre-judging of FCI World Challenge (Group 3)

3:00pm

Junior Handler - Final of the Day

4:00pm

Opening Ceremony and Group Finals

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Saturday, August 9th

Time

Event

9:00am

Open warm-up/ training for the Rings

12:00pm

AgiDance Show (Arena 1)

12:00pm

Flyball Show (Activity Ring, hall 6)

1:20pm

AglDance Show (Activity Ring, hall 6)

2:20pm

Flyball Show (Activity Ring, hall 6)

3:00pm

Junior Handler - Final of the Day

4:00pm

Group Finals

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Sunday, August 10th

Time

Event

9:00am

Open warm-up/ training for the Ring

11:30am

Crossbreeding as a Tool (Kennelliitto Info Stage, hall 6)

12:00pm

Flyball Show (Activity Ring, hall 6)

2:20pm

Flyball Show (Activity Ring, hall 6)

3:00pm

Junior Handler Final of the Day (Arena, hall 1)

4:00pm

Group Finals 10.8. and Best in Show (Arena, hall 1)

5:25pm

Junior Handling Final (Arena, hall 1)

This program is subject to change – be sure to check the World Dog Show official website for any updates.

Past winners and locations of the World Dog Show

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Past winners

Name

Breed

Location

Year

Zaida Bint Muti Von Haussman

Afghan Hound

Croatia

2024

Aquafortis Robel The One

Portuguese Water dog

Switzerland

2023

Pepper’s Shades Of Joy

Shih tzu

Brazil

2022

L'end Show Metti Surprise at Glare

Bedlington Terrier

Czech Republic

2021

Read next: Westminster Dog Show

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Megan Milstead.

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Alexis De Leaver
Digital & Syndication Staff Writer

Our staff writer, Alexis, is a digital content specialist and passionate pet advocate with a background in lifestyle journalism. Raised in a lively home filled with cats, dogs, and fish, she channels her lifelong love for animals into creating helpful, research-driven content for pet parents.

She collaborates with veterinary professionals to ensure accuracy and is currently pursuing additional pet care certifications.

A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Alexis has contributed to major UK and US publications, including Daily Mail, Space.com, and Black Women Rising Magazine.