Royal Treatment

 

The 2025 Exposition Canine Internationale Monaco took place in May at the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo. Even just the name gives you an indication of the classy nature of this unique dog show. Perhaps Monaco is the only country where the Royal Family has such an intense interest in the dogs and the event, and also even has connections back to a famous Hollywood actress!

Best in Show overall, judged by Michael Forte, was the Basenji Lilongwe Lights Kitten Jazz, owned and handled by Kozma Tiberiu.

Making the presentation in the main ring on Sunday evening was no less than the ruler of Monaco, Prince Albert II, together with his sister Princess Caroline; the Royal Family of Monaco are dog lovers. In fact, the whole family has a great love of dogs in general, and a visit to the show each year is almost a “must”! More on that later …

 

The Royal Family takes their seats at the show.

 

Winning owner Kozma Tiberiu from Romania said, “Thank you to all the judges who appreciated our Simbushka. Thank you to all our friends and the public for the huge support during the main ring —I never had such support and so much applause — and of course thank you to the Royal Family of Monaco for their presence and kind words about our dogs.”

Much credit for the show must go to Show President Melanie-Antoinette de Massy and her colleague on the committee, Pietro Paolo Condò, who was a very able show manager and main-ring commentator.

 

UNIQUE

 

So what makes this show unique and one for the “bucket list” of many judges and exhibitors? Well, of course, when you mention the words Monaco and Monte Carlo, you immediately conjure up style, excellence and yachts. Maybe the Formula One of dog shows … at the very home of F1 racing, which in fact took place two weeks after the dog show. It’s an attraction in itself for anyone wanting to combine dogs and a trip to the South of France and the Principality.

Monaco — officially the Principality of Monaco — is a sovereign city-state and microstate on the French Riviera a few kilometers west of the Italian region of Liguria, in Western Europe on the shores of the Mediterranean. It is a semi-enclave bordered by France to the north, east and west. The principality is home to around 40,000 residents as of the 2020s, of whom about 10,000 are Monégasque nationals.

 

A view of Monaco near the country club. Photo: Vince Hogan.

 

It is recognized as one of the wealthiest and most expensive places in the world and a tax haven for the rich and famous! The official language of Monaco is French. Monégasque, English and Italian are also spoken and understood by many residents in this unique cosmopolitan area.

The Prince’s family is from the House of Grimaldi, which has ruled Monaco, with brief interruptions, since 1297.

 

THE JUDGES’ VIEW

 

Laurent Pichard from Switzerland, one of the top-quality international judges on the panel and the organizer of the World Dog Show in Geneva in 2023, summed the whole event up after the show when saying,

“Million thanks to Société Canine de Monaco and its very talented Presidente Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, grand-daughter of S.A.S Princess Antoinette De Monaco, for organizing such a beautiful show with Pietro Paolo Condo

“The final line-up was outstanding, and we had a wonderful team of judges

“A weekend to remember ... .”

Annukka Paloheimo, a Crufts group judge who came to Monaco from Finland to judge, added: “This was my third time judging at this unique show, known for its special atmosphere of elegance. Run by the royal family for four generations, such a devotion. I was here as an exhibitor for the first time in the early ’90s, and every time I have judged I witness how the show is evolving — without losing its charm. This is a show from dog lovers to dog lovers… 

“If you have not yet experienced this show, please do!”

 

SHOW MANAGER

 

Pietro Paolo Condò, who is in fact the general commissioner of the Monaco Kennel Club, gave a short background of the family that has presided over the dog show for four generations … it’s a fascinating story and piece of history.

“The involvement with the esteemed Monaco Dog Show can be traced back many years but also more recently to the 1980s, a period marked by glamour and tradition, wherein events in San Remo, Monaco and Nice culminated in the conferral of the Mediterranean Champion title,” Pietro said.

“My personal connection deepened through a cherished friendship with Princess Antoinette of Monaco, who later acquired one of her Cavalier King Charles Spaniels from my kennel. This bond extended to her daughter, Elizabeth, the Baroness de Massy, under whose guidance I was honored to join the Monaco Kennel Club's committee. Subsequently, I served as general commissioner, undertaking the modernization of the event while preserving its storied customs.

“Over the years, under the leadership of Melanie-Antoinette de Massy, the event has flourished, doubling its entries and embracing contemporary innovations. The most recent edition showcased immense success, with the upcoming show promising further acclaim as it aligns with the World Dog Show in Italy 2026, potentially extending over multiple days. This collaboration heralds an era of cultural exchange, glamour and an unparalleled canine celebration set against the backdrop of Monaco's rich heritage.”

One of the unique elements of the show is that its main ring area resembles a Cirque de Soleil-style tent, which has been the same for many years. This venue actually hosts an international circus festival each year in January.

 

Main tent for the show. Photo: Vince Hogan.

 

“To accommodate the growing interest in our exhibition, adjustments were made this year to optimize space usage,” Pietro continued. “The rings, traditionally larger than necessary, were reduced by one meter on each side, and corridors, while remaining spacious, were slightly narrowed to create larger waiting areas where exhibitors can relax their dogs and perform final preparations. These small but effective changes have allowed us to host more participants comfortably.

“Looking ahead, we are considering whether next year’s event might need to span three days or, if necessary, relocate to a larger venue. The Principality of Monaco, with its vertical layout rather than expansive width, presents unique challenges in finding suitable spaces. As always, our priority will be the well-being of participating dogs and ensuring the event maintains its reputation for excellence.”

Bearing in mind the unique nature of the venue, sited in the Princes Grace rose gardens, housed in its “big top” style marquee, the preference surely would be to run to an extra day and accommodate more than the 1,400 dogs entered this year. In fact, the entry had to be closed one week ahead of the entries closing date. No extensions for entries needed in Monaco!

 

SET-UP
 

The whole set-up for the show is organized by the team, who are ever present in the build-up, during the show and the breakdown. They are very experienced and also benefit from links to the Monte Carlo Country Club, where Melanie is also president. Back in 1927, Princess Charlotte was the founder of the Society, which will celebrate 100 years in 2027. Princess Antoinette was President from 1950 through to 2011, when her daughter Elizabeth took over the reins, and since 2020, Melanie-Antoinette has steered the Society, continuing the family line.

The whole event oozed class with its champagne bar and excellent catering for judges and customers alike with delicious lunches. The gala dinner on Saturday, hosted by Melanie, took place at the Hotel Hermitage Salon Excelsior with a champagne reception in the gardens and background music from a four-piece group. Best in Show judge Michael Forte made the traditional after-dinner speech commending the society on a job well done.

 

Prince Albert II with show president Melanie-Antoinette de Massy and show manager Pietro Condo. Photo: Vince Hogan.

 

There were a number of trade stands, including one table where you could buy special souvenir stamps from Monaco, depicting French breeds such as the Berger Picard, a French herding dog originating in Picardy.

Certainly, the entry of 1,400 could not have been more over two days, as things would have become a little “tight,” shall we say, but I don’t think anyone would complain about an extra day in the area! Many of the camper vans in fact took up residence on the road by the sea front … quite close to the heliport, which is the base for ferrying the rich and famous to nearby Nice airport.

Junior handling was also a strong feature and won by Valentina Gatto, who will represent Monaco at Crufts 2026 in the International Junior Handling Finals.

The weather was very kind, with lovely warm spring sunshine providing an additional ingredient to the recipe that was so successful for the weekend show, which also attracted many local visitors. Families were very much in evidence ... nice to see the general public showing an interest in our often-closeted show world!

Emilie Thermeus was an efficient and busy show secretary, with a team of four ladies answering all queries at the show office. Catalogs and results were all linked through the system of ENCI, the Italian kennel club. Emilie’s “other half,” Abel, was a constant help, ferrying judges to and from the airport, and their daughter also ran the show merchandise stand!

The main entry numbers came from France, with 760 entries, followed by Italy with 427. There were 64 from Switzerland, 45 from Spain and then a sprinkling of entries from all over Europe, and even one from Peru!

And, yes … there were three entries from the U.S., although I didn’t manage to catch up with them during the show. However, I did meet some American Samoyed exhibitors who had docked in Monte Carlo on a cruise ship and had seen the adverts for the dog show in town and made the trip up from the port. Well, that’s one way to do it!

Of course, the icing on the cake was the visit of Prince Albert and Princess Caroline on Sunday afternoon to watch the finals and chat with many exhibitors and their dogs. They are of course the son and daughter of Princess Grace, Grace Kelly, the well-known Hollywood actress who gave up her acting career to marry Prince Rainier III in 1956. Princess Grace sadly passed away in 1982 following a tragic road accident.

 

 

 

BEST IN SHOW

 

The final words from the judges go to popular all-around judge Michael Forte from Ireland. He has judged in many parts of the world and is eminently qualified to comment on the show set-up.

Speaking after the show, Michael said: “Some judging appointments are simply unforgettable. The setting, the atmosphere, the history — and of course, the dogs — all come together to create something quite extraordinary. This was precisely my experience at the Monaco Kennel Club, where I had the honor of judging Best in Show.

“Few shows can rival Monaco for elegance. From the Hotel Columbus, it was a short, scenic walk through the tranquil Princess Grace Rose Garden, its blooms in full splendor, to the iconic tented venue in Fontvieille. There, under the billowing canopy of the famed chapiteau, the stage was set for a celebration of canine excellence.

“What makes this event truly unique, however, is its heritage. Founded in 1927 by H.S.H. Princess Charlotte, the Monaco Kennel Club has remained under the stewardship of the same family for nearly a century. Princess Antoinette, her daughter, later took the helm with great devotion. She was followed by Baroness Elizabeth-Ann de Massy, whose leadership brought warmth and stature to the event. Today, the club is guided with charm and dedication by Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, continuing a legacy of deep respect for the sport and its participants.

“The show is run with clear care — every detail considered, every exhibitor welcomed. The atmosphere is one of refinement, but never pretentiousness. It is a show where people feel valued and where dogs are the centerpiece, as they should be.

“My Best in Show line-up was a true joy. The depth of quality across the groups, thanks to an exceptional panel of judges, made for a very strong finale. Each of my top three exemplified type, movement and showmanship.

“Third place was awarded to a smooth Dachshund — full of breed character, with a clean outline and excellent drive on the move.

“Second place went to a beautifully presented Pembroke Welsh Corgi, showing great substance, correct proportions and a most charming expression.

“Best in Show was awarded to an outstanding Basenji — elegant, alert and utterly faultless on the move. A dog with undeniable presence and charisma, shown to perfection.

“Perhaps just as inspiring as the dogs was the spirit among the exhibitors. Throughout the weekend, I witnessed sportsmanship of the highest order — congratulations offered warmly, camaraderie shown freely. It is this spirit, alongside the dogs, that defines our sport at its best.”

 

From left, Princess Caroline with the second-place Corgi; Prince Albert II, ruler of Monaco; Kozma Tiberiu, owner of the Best in Show Basenji; show manager Pietro Condo, and show president Melanie-Antoinette de Massy with the third place Mini Dachshund. Photo by Yurii Orlyx.

 

There were splendid trophies for winners. In fact, many people seemed to be rewarded with a trophy ... all Best of Breeds were given a trophy as they left the ring after group judging.

 

AND FINALLY

 

What better way to round off proceedings than a champagne reception and cocktail party with delicious snacks and nibbles in the presence of our royal visitors who happily chatted and stood for photos with judges and guests.

Quite a weekend — one not to forget and one to add to that bucket list, folks!

 

 

MONACO INTERNATIONAL 2025 GROUP WINNERS

Photos by Claudia Aquila

 

BEST IN SHOW 1st and GROUP 5

Judge Laurent Pichard (Switzerland)

EUW24 Multi-CH BISS Lilongwe Lights Kitten Jazz

Basenji

Owner: Kozma Tiberiu

 

BEST IN SHOW 2nd and GROUP 1 WINNER

Judge Annukka Paloheimo (Finland)

Coventry The Power of Love

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Owner: Jonathan Angileri

 

BEST IN SHOW 3rd and GROUP 4 WINNER

Judge Celine Bottussi Jocquel (France)

Minidogland Beatrice

Dachshund, Miniature Smooth-Haired

Owner: Lorena Gigante López

 

GROUP 2 WINNER

Judge Pierluigi Buratti (Italy)

Namasté-F Di Torre San Francesco

Great Dane, Fawn

Owner: Ramona Cianferoni

 

GROUP 3 WINNER

Judge Ilaria Biondi De Ciabatti (Peru)

Group winner not shown in results

 

GROUP 6 WINNER

Judge Celine Bottussi Jocquel (France)

Tendaji Enhle Ll Demba Du Royaume De L'espina

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Owner: Anne Masini

 

GROUP 7 WINNER

Judge Petru Muntean (Romania)

Silberweiss Moon Shining On Camelide Homeland

Weimaraner

Owner: Diana Rembges

 

GROUP 8 WINNER

Judge Josè Miguel Doval Sanchez (Spain)

Cosmicfire Lelio Orsi

Lagotto Romagnolo

Owner: Kathy Griffin

 

GROUP 9 WINNER

Judge Pierluigi Buratti (Italy)

Boule De Voyance Barry

French Bulldog

Owner: Alberto Vergara

 

GROUP 10 WINNER

Judge Laurent Pichard (Switzerland)

Simple Twist of Fate

Whippet 

Owner: Giovanni Liguori

 

BEST PUPPY IN SHOW

Judge Maria Ceccarelli (Italy)

Del Serales Call Me By Your Name

Pharaoh Hound

Owner: Alessandro Cipollini

 

BEST VETERAN IN SHOW

Judge Josè Miguel Doval Sanchez (Spain)

Maybe Mystery Mondak Monwhite Star

Maltese

Owners: Monika and Simona Kupicovy

 

BEST BREEDER GROUP

Judge Petru Muntean (Romania)

Weimaraner

Breeder: Alyaksandr Mamruk