Finland’s dog shows face overcrowding and falling attendance

Finland hosts more than 300 dog shows each year, but the number is becoming excessive, the Finnish Kennel Club and a regional kennel district have told Yle.

Attendance at this weekend’s international dog show in Kuopio is expected to be down by about 300 dogs from last year. The show attracted 2,000 dogs in 2025, while this year’s total is around 1,700.

The show, held at the Sorsasalo trotting track, is one of Finland’s largest. Kari Leppänen, deputy chair of the board of the North Savo Kennel District, said the weaker turnout was likely linked to the strained economic situation.

Leppänen said kennel districts should consider how many shows it is reasonable to organise in each area.

“Finland is ultimately a small country. The number of shows should be reduced because there are not enough customers for all of them,” he said.

He also encouraged clubs to cooperate regionally.

Shows concentrated in summer

Leija Koponen, a Kuopio-based breeder of Italian water dogs, has taken part in only one show this year. She is not attending the Kuopio show because her four-year-old dog Rina has recently had puppies, while 11-year-old Vipsu has retired from showing.

Last year, Koponen took her dogs to eight shows. She also worked as a ring secretary at 11 shows and said she had clearly noticed the decline in participation.

In her view, the main problem is that too many shows are held during the summer. This forces organisers to compete with one another and participants to choose which events to attend.

Dog shows in the Baltic countries add to the competition, she said.

The Finnish Kennel Club has also noted the uneven distribution of shows. Kimmo Mustonen, chair of the club’s board, said the general economic situation and the decline in registrations of pedigree dogs had reduced the number of enthusiasts.

Shows are now concentrated in summer because rents for indoor venues have risen and suitable spaces are difficult to find. The Kennel Club hopes organisers will find reasonably priced venues for the winter season.

Mustonen said various dog-related events could also attract visitors and activity to municipalities.