Doping tests protect show dogs, says Finnish Kennel Club

The Finnish Kennel Club conducts doping tests on dogs in all of its more than 70 trial and competition categories, including show dogs, to prevent sick animals from being medicated into events, according to a report by Yle.

About 10% of samples return positive, though most cases stem from accidental exposure rather than deliberate doping, said Jussi Liimatainen, chair of the club’s show and conformation judging committee.

Common substances detected include painkillers, antibiotics, cortisone, hormones, and, in a recent case, cocaine. Positive results trigger a temporary competition ban pending investigation, with no further sanctions if the exposure is deemed unintentional.

Risto Ylitalo, chair of the trial and competition committee, noted that even therapeutic sedatives used for procedures like X-rays can appear in tests. Individual metabolism means traces may persist beyond withdrawal periods.

While performance-enhancing doping is more relevant in physical disciplines such as racing and agility, intentional use remains rare, Ylitalo said.