Celebrating Our Success at the World Dog Show in Helsinki

Last month, we had the incredible opportunity to travel to Helsinki for the World Dog Show, held from 7th to 10th August. It was a truly unforgettable trip, and we were so proud to have four of our dogs — Merlin, Lewis, Annie and Luna — representing Coots at Eversden on such a prestigious international stage.

A Journey to Remember

For Merlin and Lewis, the excitement began long before the ring. It was their very first time travelling in the hold of a plane, and we couldn’t have been happier with how well they coped. They took everything in their stride and seemed to enjoy their Finnish holiday every bit as much as we did.

Two Shows, Two Experiences

We were fortunate enough to take part in both the Speciality Show and the World Dog Show itself. Each had a very different feel, with contrasting atmospheres and styles of organisation, but both were valuable experiences that left us with fresh insights. One of the joys of international shows is seeing how things are done in different countries — and this trip certainly gave us plenty to learn from.

A Podium Moment

Our proudest achievement in Helsinki came when Merlin and Annie were awarded third place in the Best in Show Brace Class. For those unfamiliar, the Brace class celebrates two dogs of the same breed shown together in harmony, moving as a perfectly matched pair. To see them step onto the podium, recognised among the very best pairs in the world, was an incredible moment for us. It’s a result we’ll treasure for years to come, and a wonderful reflection of their bond and training.

Grateful Thanks

One of the things that made this trip so memorable was the support we had along the way. We’re especially thankful to Liz Williams for helping us throughout the show and for taking Luna into the ring with such care. A big thank you also goes to Liz and Gary Shand, Annie’s proud owners, for letting her be part of this adventure. Having owners join us in showing their dogs adds something extra to the experience — it turns every success into a shared celebration and makes the memories even sweeter.

Looking Back and Ahead

The World Dog Show in Helsinki gave us so much more than just results. It brought us memories, lessons, and moments to cherish, and reminded us again of just how special these dogs are — in the ring and beyond.

We’re already looking forward to the next chapter and to seeing what further adventures await our outstanding team of dogs.