The Irish Kennel Club (IKC), celebrate their centenary year in 2022 with a full programme of special events, kicking off with a Festival of Dogs in Leopardstown Racecourse. The volunteer organisation champions ethical dog breeding.
The Festival of Dogs – 100 Years of the Irish Kennel Club
Meet the experts at the Kennel Club event and get advice on everything from suitable breeds, nutrition, rearing and training. Jim Stephens – Leading canine nutritionist and pet behaviourist. Tim Kirby – Vet and PetBond founder.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet over 50 different breeds of dogs, they include some of Ireland’s nine native dog breeds have recently been granted heritage status
Patron the Ukrainian Hero Dog
The Irish Kennel Club is delighted to announce that the Ukrainian Embassy will be accepting its Honorary Golden Paw Hero Dog Award at the Festival. First Secretary, Mr. Dmytro Shchedrin, will accept the award on Sunday at 3pm on behalf of Patron, a Ukrainian Jack Russell terrier who detects landmines.
Patron’s was recently awarded the Medal of Courage from President Zelensky for his bravery. Since the war in Ukraine began in February, two-year old Patron has sniffed out over 200 undetonated explosive devices and has now won the hearts of many in the country with over 250,000 followers on Instagram.
Lots of Events for Dog Lovers
Meet Irish Red & White Setter, Finn, the mascot for the Irish Air Corps and will be in attendance with his handler Corporal Aidan Brosnan. The Dublin Blue Terrier Club, founding Club of the IKC, is also celebrating their Centenary Show at this event.
Watch Ireland’s top dog groomers work their magic live on The Urban Dog Stage and check out the ‘Dogs on the Catwalk’, a fashion show with a difference showing all the latest canine trends for the summer season.
The Dream Dog Exhibition will showcase Irish school children’s creative imaginings of their perfect pooch, while the Canine Art Exhibition includes artworks from some of Ireland’s top painters, photographers and stain glass artists.
The Festival of Dogs will be at Leopardstown Racecourse Saturday and Sunday 28-29 May from 10am – 5pm. Free car parking at Junction 15 on the M50.
Family tickets from €20.