Believe it or not, British summer is here. And with summer, plenty of fun dog shows you can participate to during your weekends. Earlier in May, I told you about our visit to the Paws in the Park dog show and advised on a few fun dog days scheduled for early summer in England (see my previous blog post). Today I would like to share with you our last visits to Canary Woof and Hounds on the Heath shows in London and provide you with the dates of the next fun dog days and events you can find in London in the forthcoming months.
Opposed to shows like Paws in the Park and All about dogs, which are for-profit events (and you will have to pay a fee both for entering the show area and for each activity you wish to give a go to), the London events I am going to mention are organised by dog charities. Anyone can pop by without having to pay an entrance ticket, you will just be asked to pay a few pounds donation for the activities you wish to participate to. Of course you will not find something like the Dash ‘N Splash there, but you may find basic agility trails, temptation alleys. Further, you could take part to many contests such as the most beautiful dog or bitch, best rescue, best tricks, waggiest tail, and so on and so forth.
Canary Woof fun dog show – 3 JULY 2016
Ropemakers Field, Limehouse, London
On Sunday 3 July we went to Canary Woof fun dog show at the Limehouse Festival, in Ropemakers Field. It was quite a small dog event compared to others we visited before, but we were quite suprised from how many dogs where around.
We had the chance to meet All Dogs Matter‘s super friendly crew, who were raising funds for their cause and showing two lovely guests of theirs, looking for a forever home.
In the contest for the prettiest bitch we took some pictures of a stunning corgie and her owner (see picture at the top of the post and bottom right below): they did not qualify, but to us, they were the moral winners for the sweetest couple ever!
You can view more pictures of the event on our Facebook and Twitter‘s pages.
Hounds on the Heath – 10 JULY 2016
Hampstead Heath, London
Another dog show was organised by The Mayhew Animal Home in Hampstead, last Sunday. In the morning the weather was a bit rainy, but this did not discourage the dog owners who came participating to the show. In fact, some umbrellas provided by All dogs matter came in handy… I found this adorable little dog enjoying the dry and warm of its human’s lap (see picture above).
You can see more pictures of Hounds on the Heath 2016 and look for your dog’s one on The Londog’s Facebook page.
Forthcoming Events
16 JULY 2016 – Pup Idol 2016
11am The Garden Gate (dog-friendly pub), 14 Southend Road, Hampstead, NW3 2QE, London (£5 per dog, free for spectators)
The Pup Idol 2016 wil be held in aid of All Dogs Matter in the garden of The Garden Gate pub next Sunday. Entries to the contests cost £5 per dog, while spectators go for free. Cutest Pup, Golden Oldies, Best Rescue, Dogs Needing Home Parade, Miss Hampstead, Mr Hampstead… pick your favourite, go and participate!
13 AUGUST 2016 – It’s Cool To Be Kind
11am-4pm Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill Bandstand, Nearest entrance off Highgate Road, NW5 1QR, London (Free event)
For its “It’s Cool To Be Kind” campaign, the Dog Trust is organising a dog event in Hampstead Heath, where they will be supplying free ice-creams, free iced dog treats, and free microchipping. Dog owners meeting specific requirements could also get neutering vouchers for just £35 (read about the conditions on the Facebook page of the event here).
It’s Cool To Be Kind campaign tries to raise awareness on the risks associated to hot weather for your dog’s health. Worth reading their tips and and remember that “Hot cars kill dogs”.
14 AUGUST 2016 – Paws in the park dog show
11am Harrow Lodge Park, RM11 1JU (Free event, £1.5 per class)
Not to be confused with the big Paws in the Park event we talked about in our earlier post, this dog show is organised by Havering Mind, a mental health charity, and a number of classes will be disputed. For the complete list, see their brochure here (or refer to their website’s news here).
3 SEPTEMBER 2016 – Dog friendly Cinema Screening
Film: “Best in Show”, 8pm, Queen’s Park, NW6, London (£7.50-15)
The Nomad cinema will be holding an outdoor cinema screening in Queen’s Park in support of The Mayhew Animal Home on 3 September. The film shown will be “Best in Show”, a mockumentary about dog shows. You can read further information about the event and purchase your ticket here.
4 SEPTEMBER 2016 – Battersea Annual Reunion & Fun Day
11am -4.30pm Battersea Park, London (Free event; fee for participating to the show/activities)
As usual, the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home will be celebrating its annual reunion and fun dog day at Battersea Park on 4 September. This is one of the biggest free dog events in London I have attended so far, where you can participate to a number of dog competitions and give a go in many activities to help raising funds for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home (the official programme will be soon released).
We participated to last year’s event and we found it pawsome. Apart from our try at agility, obstacles run, and the (disastrous) temptation alley, we had a great time meeting new friends and laying on the grass enjoying the sun on the beautiful lawns of Battersea Park.
At last year’s Battersea fun dog day
4 SEPTEMBER 2016 – Big Walkies RSPCA – Romford
10am-4pm Bedfords Country Park, Broxhill Road, Havering-Hatte-Bower, Romford, RM4 1MH (£10 person and dog, £5 per each additional dog)
If you are a more active type of person, you will be pleased to hear about the RSPCA well established Big Walkies. Big Walkies is coming to Romford on 4 September. You can choose between the 3km or the 5km route and participate with or without a dog, alone or as a team. The walk begins at 10.30am and registration costs £10 per person with a dog (and £5 per each additional dog).
©2016 The Londog. All rights reserved.
UPDATE
(23 July 2016) Some more dog shows you may be interested in…
21 AUGUST 2016 – Chinbrook Dog Show
11am-5pm Chinbrook Meadows, Amblecote Road, SE12, London (No information available)
You can read further information about the show on its official website.
3 SEPTEMBER 2016 – PUP AID 2016
10am-5pm Primrose Hill, London
Pup Aid fun dog show is organised by a group trying to raise awareness regarding the cruel practice of puppy farming. You can find further information in the official event’s webpage.
25 SEPTEMBER 2016 – Chiswick House Dog Show
Cricket Pitch in Chiswick House Gardens, London
Chiswick House Dog Show is organised by the Chiswick House Friends in association with Chiswick House & Gardens Trust. The money raised by the event finances some works and mantainance of the park’s fittings. You can view the show’s website here.