On both days of the PetExpo 2021 exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to see dogs from all 10 groups of the International Cynological Federation. At present, there are about 400 official dog breeds in the world, of which more than 200 long-haired, short-haired and hairless, very small and large, hunting, working and decorative breed dogs from seven countries will be on display at the exhibition in Ķīpsala. The largest representation of dogs will be from Latvia and Finland.
Once again, there will be dogs that are under-represented in our country and are still waiting for their true recognition. Rarities such as the Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd will take part in the PetExpo – an impressive white giant that perfectly protects both its territory and the owner’s cubs. Clamp spaniels, known as “little Saint Bernards”, who have not been represented in Latvian exhibitions for five years, will also take part. Visitors will also get acquainted with a completely new breed – a miniature American sheepdog similar to the Australian sheepdog, but much smaller. By the way, we can be proud that the first representatives of this breed have already been registered in Latvia. There will also be rarities that hunters can expect, including the Norwegian Hound, which has the ability to work in harsh climates.
Decorative breeds will be particularly widely represented, with a lot of competition from French bulldogs – a breed that has regained its popularity after a certain decline. It will also be interesting for visitors to see and compare the small, beloved earplugs – papillons – and poodles of various sizes, which, by the way, are the longest prepared for the exhibition: any poodle cut – lion, modern or Scandinavian – requires thorough work, care and patience. Saluki, a breed of wind dog with a thousand-year-old history and originating in the Mediterranean region, will also be widely represented at the exhibition.
On the first day of the show, December 18, the dogs will compete for the titles of international champions, but on Sunday the best of the best will compete for the title “Latvian Winner 2021”, which is awarded only once a year at one of the international shows.
Noble breakers
Petexpo 2021 will be attended by more than 300 cats representing all five cat breed groups. In addition to popular breeds such as British Shorthair cats, female bodies, Scottish Fold cats, there will also be rare Himalayan cats – with big heads, beautiful blue eyes, a rich and silky coat like no other, and together with the tail reaches a length of one meter! Cat lovers will also be able to see cats with curly wool – Devon and Cornwall Rex – and talk to their breeders.
On both days of the show there will be several intense and interesting competitions, in which the best Kuril bobtail and Maine raccoon cat will be determined. Visitors will be invited to listen to an expert account of these and other varieties. Only runners and only kittens will compete in the competition for breed quality. But a special place will be reserved for cats who will participate in two rings to win the very important titles – “Masters” and “Double Masters”. Such rings take place once a year in one of the shows organized by the World Federation of Cats, and only those cats that have won the title of World Champion, 1st and 2nd place in the regular ring and are the winners of the “Best in Show” can participate in them. Therefore, in order to qualify for these titles, cats come specifically to the show, and this year is no exception. Cats will be judged by experts from Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
