Photos by Vince Hogan unless otherwise noted

Zaida the Afghan Queen has done it again! Having topped the lot at the World Dog Show in Zagreb last year, Zaida and ace handler Willy Santiago completed a remarkable double by winning the European Dog Show in Brno, Czech Republic, on Sunday, April 13. No bad omens with number 13, as Zaida swept around the huge main ring in Brno, earning huge cheers and rapturous applause from judges, spectators and fellow exhibitors alike.

Zaida Bint Muti Von Haussman, to give her full name, was bred by the highly successful breeder Ramon Podesta from Chile. She has captured the hearts of many dog people — not just at the show, but across social media through photos and livestreams from this show and the previous win in Zagreb last year.

Clearly Willy and Zaida enjoy shows in Eastern Europe!

Photo by Boris Glukharev.

Ramon thanked everyone after the show, including all his team, the judges and of course his handler, now based in Florida, saying, “Thanks of course to the talented Willy Santiago, who has done such a wonderful job with Zaida through all this time. You and Queen Zaida have made our dreams come true!  Zaida is the result of 14 generations of my breeding.”

More from Willy later in the report …

SECOND AND THIRD WENT TO …

Reserve BIS at the European Dog Show 2025 out of nearly 18,000 dogs entered across the week was the multi-winning Alaskan Malamute Cause I’m Real Shamanrock, otherwise known as Argo, judged in the breed by Irish judge Daren Walker, who told me, “The highlight of my judging career to date was having the privilege to judge my own breed, Alaskan Malamutes, at EDS Brno 2025.

“My Best of Breed was a stunning male from the Champion class who oozed quality from the moment he entered the ring. He had everything I would look for in a working Malamute — great coat, excellent reach and drive, and in super well-muscled condition. He deserved to go on and win the group and eventual Reserve Best in Show under FCI President Tamas Jakkel.

“The show itself was a tremendous success. The venue, the organization, the hospitality for the wonderful judging panel was second to none. All this made for a super atmosphere around the rings."

The huge pre-judging rings during the junior handling semi-finals.

Co-owner and handler Katka Seidlová from the Czech Republic said after the show:

“The moment the results were announced was indescribable, and, please, never remind me of my conversation with the speaker ... I cried uncontrollably and simply couldn’t find the words. Argo, you are a dream to show … same as your famous father Dobby. Thank you to his co-owners Hana Divišová and Petr Diviš for taking such a good care of Argo. In recent years, we’ve only bred two litters, and Argo comes from one of them. I would also like to mention that his brother is this year’s RCC at Crufts.

 “Thank you to everyone who has supported us and stood by us!” Katka added. “Hearing the support in the hall was amazing! Last but not least, I want to congratulate the owner and breeder of the winning Afghan Hound. It is one of the most beautiful animals I have ever seen in my life.”

FCI president and judge Tamas Jakkel. Photo by Boris Glukharev.

Best in Show third spot was Meghan the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, otherwise known as EuW’25 EuW’24 WW’24 Multi JBIS BIS OH JBISS INT AKC Ch. Black Majesty Some Say, under Tamas Jakkel. Owner and handler Iva Raic said after the show, “I am literally not capable to put emotions into words right now, but I know how thankful we all are to be surrounded by the most amazing people who cheered for Meghan; she gave us the best performance last night!”

There was a big flag-waving contingent from Croatia supporting this popular dog and handler.

THE SHOW ITSELF

I have attended a number of events at this showground over the years, and the first thing that strikes you is how immense the whole area actually is; the halls where the rings and trade stands are based are massive. Think jumbo jets!

After the World Show in Croatia, then the European Show 2024 in Slovenia and now the European Show 2025 in the Czech Republic, you might be forgiven in thinking the world of dogs is based in the Balkans, or Eastern Europe at least! It’s all pretty much coincidental, though, and also how the votes go at the FCI section meetings; the next WDS is in Scandinavia in 2025 and then Italy in 2026. Mind you, the next two EDS shows in the next three years are also to be held in Sweden and Denmark, respectively, only separated by Spain in 2027 for the EDS show in Alicante.

This EDS 2025, however, has garnered many compliments from all connections and participants. Judges seemed very happy with all arrangements, from hotel to rings; once information started to come through pre-show, exhibitors were praising the show on social media. Lots of space, very clean, loads of food outlets. Blue carpeted rings for the National Show that ran alongside the EDS … white (yes, white!) carpets for the European Show rings … some were a little stained by Sunday night. A massive main ring ran smoothly, with set-up by the experienced P1 Dog Shows for lights, music and all sorts of sound and vision. Irena Tomanova from P1 also was a very magnetic commentator, speaking in Czech and the debonair Joe Bellyss from Switzerland took the English-speaking part, with a delicious French accent. They made a charming couple. OUR DOGS was again the official international media partner for the show based in the main hall near the BIS ring and excellent VIP area for judges and sponsors. The same hall housed the official merchandise stand and also a kid’s zone to keep the young ones amused.

Commentators Joe Bellyss and Irena Tomanova.

Good photo backdrops were to be found in every hall for people to set up their own shots.

Trade stands had their own separate hall, as they always do at this showground. It’s not always a popular set-up for many trade people, who sometimes feel isolated and somewhat ignored in Hall G1. When there are no rings in that hall, sometimes it can go flat in the afternoon … shopping can go in fits and starts, but it helped when more announcements were made reminding people where the stands were located.

JUNIOR HANDLING

The main ring started each day at approximately 3 p.m. with Junior Handling heats and large entries that culminated on Sunday evening with a winning young man, Matic Kosi from Slovenia, judged by Václav Chovanec, who spoke to me after the show.

“Junior handling elevates the level of the shows themselves. High-quality handling ensures that the dog is shown in the best possible light — something that is appreciated not only by the audience but especially by the judges. A skilled and experienced handler makes the judges' work much easier and helps highlight the dog’s qualities more accurately.

“And the greatest benefit, without a doubt, is the impact Junior handling has on children and young people. At first glance, Junior handling may seem like just a competitive activity. But those who have truly experienced this world know that it’s much more than that.

“Junior handling is a school of life for young people. It teaches them to be present, to live in the moment. Junior handling is not just about perfect performance and ‘collecting’ trophies. Junior handlers are constantly learning and educating themselves in all areas of cynology. They also learn to work with the dog, care for it, read signals, communicate and build a relationship.

“I truly believe that children who grow up with a dog are more sensitive, more empathetic, more emotionally stable. They learn love, respect, patience. In a world that is full of stimuli, pressure to perform and constant comparison, a dog is the best guide. And that is the great power of canine therapy, which for Junior handlers is completely natural and unforced. Both in everyday life and during training, seminars, shows ...

“And, finally, let me borrow the words of my friend, judge and president of the Junior Handling Club in Slovakia, Mrs. Dominika Hradská: ‘Junior handling is not a destination, but a journey.’”

A delighted Mati said, “Not all dreams can be put into words — some are only understood through feeling.

“On Sunday, something I never dared to dream about happened: I became European Champion at Junior handling! I still can’t fully believe what happened! Aslan showed his heart out for me and was the most perfect partner! This journey was filled with challenges, hope and so much passion! I didn’t walk it alone, and for that I’m endlessly grateful to all my friends and supporters. To the judge Václav Chovanec — thank you for appreciating my work and making this experience even more special and unforgettable. It was an honor! And to everyone who cheered for me, believed in me, and lifted me up when I needed it the most.”
Exciting times for the many Juniors who took part in this event.

GALA DINNER

Judges and guests gathered on Saturday evening at the Congress Hotel on site for a dinner and some words from the European Section president of the FCI, Jorgen Hindse from Denmark. He praised the show and said it ticked all the boxes, congratulating Lubomir Siroky and all the team for their organization and work. Jorgen is from Denmark, which will host the EDS in 2028.

Sunday night saw the official flag handover to representatives from Sweden … the 2026 show will be held in Stockholm.

Russian exhibitors were also allowed to enter this show, not always the case nowadays because of the war in Ukraine.

JUDGE PERSPECTIVE

To get a judge’s perspective of the show, I spoke to Francesco Cochetti, well-known Chihuahua breeder and all-round judge, and the judge of Group 9 at the show. Francesco is also involved in the World Show taking place in Bologna in June 2026.

Francesco said, “The European Dog Show in Brno 2025 certainly stood out for its excellent organization and logistics. Four intense days where everything ran smoothly. Every detail was carefully planned — from the information provided to us judges, including the schedule for the four days, to the morning briefing before judging began, to the elegant set-up, all strictly in white and blue, to the spacious rings, the excellent ring stewards and the punctual start of the main-ring events.

“Furthermore, the choice of hotel, just a few steps from the exhibition center, and the quality of the food made the Brno European Dog Show one of the best European events in recent years.

“I had the honor of judging the final of Group 9, a task that is always demanding due to the high quality of the dogs present.

“The winner was a beautiful Maltese, with the typical movement and silky coat required by the breed. In second place, a Standard Poodle, also showing the characteristic elegant and dancing movement. Third place went to a Bichon Frisé, also with beautiful movement and excellent proportions. Fourth was a lovely Lhasa Apso, with correct size and proportions, and fifth a very typical and charismatic Papillon.”

Photo by Boris Glukharev.

PHOTOS AND MEDIA

Much has been made of late about accreditation fees at these large shows in Europe, and even Crufts had a fee-paying system this year. It’s a dilemma as to how many photographers are actually from “the media” and how many are working photographers selling photos. Some organizers take the view that the latter are “trading” and need to pay a fee, while others are happy to have a more relaxed attitude and see the photographers as providing a service to exhibitors. The fee here was 500 Euros plus tax, and that gave the photographers licence to roam, have a special area, car parking and a press room … although that was very distant from the rings, and was left largely unused.

To give you an idea of the effort involved and time taken by photographers, I spoke to Frida Slotte from Finland, whose trip went like this:

“First a 48-hour drive from Finland to Brno, Czech Republic. Then the European Dog Show 2025 for four days. After that, we took another 48-hour drive home and about 4,0000 photos to edit. So that's what I've been doing this week!
“The Czech Republic is absolutely beautiful, and the show was well organized,” Frida added. “I met so many friends, and made some new ones. It is really something extra with these big shows: The quality is high (omg, you need to check out the Standard Poodles), the main ring is big (in this case, almost too big) — it is spotlights and it is emotions.”

There are some talented and dedicated photographers out there!

Photo by Boris Glukharev.

FROM THE ORGANIZERS

And the final word for the CMKU … the Czech Kennel Club.

“The European Dog Show 2025 is officially behind us!

“With nearly 18,000 dogs entered, the show was a true celebration of the beauty, diversity and dedication within the canine world.

“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the judges for their professional and fair evaluations, to the organizers and staff for their flawless coordination and tireless efforts, and to all fellow exhibitors for their excellent sportsmanship and camaraderie.

“Warm congratulations to all the winners — your success is truly well deserved.

“We are looking forward to many more shows like this in the future!”

Austria will host the World Dog Show in 2027.

AND ANOTHER THING …
 

The final, final word goes to Willy Santiago reflecting on his stunning win, saying, “I can only say thank you, God, for so many blessings. Proud to show the world how beautiful you are, My Queen! Today, Von Haussman once again honors so many years of hard work, dedication and love for this wonderful breed. Thank you to our team and to the friends who are always there for us unconditionally, no matter where in the world we go!

“And the greatest thanks go to you, Zaida, for so many wonderful moments that I will treasure for the rest of my life. For always giving me everything, until the very end. I won’t have enough time in this life to thank you for so much love!”

The FCI World Challenge will take place in Helsinki at the World Dog Show in August.

Next stop is Helsinki, Finland, coming into focus for judges, exhibitors and organizers for what promises to be one of the biggest World Shows in many years. The Finns, like all the Scandinavian dog organizations, have a great reputation for staging well-organized and spectacular dog shows. It will also be the setting for the newly launched FCI World Challenge, again to be judged by FCI President Tamas Jakkel.

Roll on, August 2025!

EUROPEAN DOG SHOW Winners

Best in Show judged By Tamas Jakkel (Hungary)
 

Best in Show and Group 10 winner: GChS Zaida Bint Muti Von Haussman, Afghan Hound, Ramon Podesta.

Reserve Best in Show and Group 5 winner: Cause I’m A Real Shamanrock, Alaskan Malamute, Kateřina Seidlová.

BIS 3 and Group 6 winner: AKC Ch. WW’24 EUW’24 Black Majesty Some Say, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, Iva Raic.

Group 1 winner: Dream Meadows Spellbound, Australian Shepherd, Alexey Ploshko.

Group 2 winner: Angel Pei Lotto Millionaire, Chinese Shar-Pei, Dragan Tucakov.

Group 3 winner: Jodean Dallas, Lakeland Terrier, James Galea.

Group 4 winner: Olympic Sun Valentain, Smooth Miniature Dachshund, Ekaterina Loza.

Group 7 winner: EUW WW BIS Butterfly Hunter Casper, Vizsla, Amadé Géza Chikán.

Group 8 winner: Almanza Dancin’ On The Tables, Flat-Coated Retriever, Charlotta Larsson.

Group 9 winner: Cinecittà Oliver Stone, Maltese, Franco Prosperi.

Best Veteran in Show: New England Pumpkin Pie, Bloodhound, Ferenc Lovas.

Best Junior in Show: Agria Happy Song, Smooth Fox Terrier, Balint Korozs.

Junior Handling winner: Matic Kosi, age 16, Australian Shepherd, Slovenia.