Amsterdam ends dog shows over welfare concerns

The municipality of Amsterdam announced earlier this year its decision to end formally organised dog shows hosted within the city after current licences expire. This includes prestigious events like the annual Winner Dog Show and the internationally renowned World Dog Show held at the RAI convention centre. The move highlights growing concerns about the welfare and health of dogs competing in such shows.

The decision is driven by reports highlighting animal-unfriendly practices in dog shows and the negative impact on the wellbeing of many breed-standard dogs. While shows scheduled for 2025 will proceed, no future licences will be granted, marking a significant change in the Dutch dog show landscape.

Changes Affecting Amsterdam Dog Shows

Amsterdam, though not commonly associated with major dog shows by UK audiences, has long hosted significant pedigree dog events attracting thousands of dogs from across Europe and beyond. The annual Winner Dog Show and the World Dog Show, welcoming entrants from over 60 countries, are key fixtures. The RAI centre, comparable to the UK's Birmingham NEC which hosts Crufts, will cease hosting large dog shows beyond 2025.

The municipality has stated it will not extend or issue new licences for such shows, reflecting a policy pivot focused on dog welfare over commercial interests. Even alternative city venues are unlikely to secure licences, effectively ending Amsterdam’s role as a host for major pedigree dog shows.

Reasons Behind the Licence Refusals

Concerns were raised in local government and veterinary circles about the practices endemic to many dog shows, especially those that may harm dogs or encourage unhealthy breed standards. Consultations and reports uncovered several welfare issues and ethical considerations prompting the municipality's stance.

Key Welfare Concerns Raised

Stress and Welfare of Dogs at Shows

• Stress caused by the show environment, including frequent handling by strangers and confinement.
• The additional strain of long-distance and international transport to events.
• The prevalence of excessive grooming, clipping, and physical manipulation.
• Stressful show ring procedures such as tight leash handling and close proximity to many other dogs.
• Periods spent caged in unsuitable kennels lacking adequate space or comfort.
• Forcing dogs to perform unnatural behaviours for entertainment or judgment.

Health and Ethical Issues in Pedigree Breeding

Experts highlighted that many winning dogs suffer from hereditary health problems, such as breathing difficulties common in brachycephalic breeds and chronic lameness. The emphasis on exaggerated physical traits in show standards often fosters these issues. Since winning dogs are heavily sought after for breeding, this propagates health problems and narrowing of genetic diversity through inbreeding.

Veterinary surgeon Piet Hellemans, consulted in this context, noted the risk of perpetuating hereditary defects by rewarding such dogs in the shows.

Potential Impact on UK Dog Show Circuits

Amsterdam’s bold move could influence thinking elsewhere but is unlikely to result in direct changes to UK dog shows like Crufts in the short term. The UK Kennel Club continues to prioritise dog welfare, implementing health screenings and encouraging responsible breeding to mitigate problems linked to breed standards.

However, the Amsterdam decision adds to increasing international scrutiny on dog showing practices, pressing UK breeders and organisers to keep evolving welfare standards. It underscores the need for the entire dog owning and showing community to align with best practices that support genetic health and positive animal welfare.

Whether this leads to reform or rethinking within the UK dog show world remains to be seen, but it certainly places additional spotlight on the welfare impacts of pedigree showing.

For those interested in finding puppies ethically bred with health and welfare in mind, the Kennel Club find a puppy page is a good starting point.

Summary

The municipality of Amsterdam’s decision to end licencing of formal pedigree dog shows reflects growing concerns about the welfare of competing dogs and the health consequences of existing showing and breeding practices. The ban represents a significant policy development focussed on prioritising the wellbeing of dogs over commercial and traditional showing expenditures.

While the UK dog show circuit still operates with a strong welfare framework, Amsterdam’s stance may catalyse further welfare awareness and potential reforms internationally, particularly in how breed standards and showing are managed to protect canine health.