DOG SHOW - 2026/27 TBC

“It is with much regret that we have decided to cancel the Dog Show this year in the interests of animal welfare. The Met Office is currently predicting 28°C for Pulborough on Saturday which is too hot for dogs to be out in the open Pulborough (West Sussex) weather - Met Office. Some forecasts are suggesting it could be even hotter. Mark Bridger-Pescott, our judge, advises that we should not hold the dog show if we expect temperatures above 22°C and advises dog owners to leave their dogs at home in a cool, well ventilated room. Please note the advice on our website regarding dogs and hot weather Dog Show — The West Chiltington Village Show and the below image for info. We are very disappointed to have reached this conclusion but it is in the best interests of the dogs. Please do not bring your dog(s) to the show if temperatures rise as forecast. There is very little shade and it will be very difficult to cool your dog(s) down if they overheat which is a serious health risk.”

Our fun dog show, open to all breeds and all ages (dogs and handlers!), is a firm favourite at the Show.  Come prepared to enter, or join in on the spur of the moment and enjoy this great relaxed competition.

£2 PER CLASS ENTRY

CATEGORY WINNERS WILL RECEIVE AN AMAZING BOTTLE OF NYETIMBER OR A BOOK TOKEN FOR CHILDREN

2025 CLASSES

Puppy <6 months 

Adolescent 6-18 months 

Adult >18 months

Senior (age dependent on breed*)

Junior handler (primary school age) 

Best trick or skill (must be natural to the dog; light equipment permitted**)

Best rescue

Waggiest tail

Best in show

*Further details and guidance will be available on the day.

**Participation in the show should not cause your dog distress or discomfort

JUDGE - Mark Bridger-Pescott

(a qualified dog trainer & behaviourist)

Bone Canis - West Sussex Dog Training

IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO BRING YOUR DOG, PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

• All dogs must be kept on leads at the village show, when competing and when walking around the wider show.

• If the weather is warm, please ensure your dog remains hydrated and seek shade at regular intervals. Water and shade will be available for all dogs at the dog show enclosure.

• Be vigilant to the signs of potential heat exhaustion in your dog, which include excessive panting, lethargy and laboured breathing. If your dog shows any signs of heat exhaustion please take immediate action to cool them down.

• We may cancel the dog show on grounds of animal welfare if we think it’s going to be too hot for them (e.g. in excess of 23°C). We are guided in this decision by our judge Mark Bridger-Pescott. If we do cancel the dog show for this reason, we would advise dog owners to leave their dogs at home and not bring them to the show.There is very little shade at West Chiltington recreation ground and it will be very difficult to cool your dog down if they overheat. Dogs don’t sweat like humans —they cool down primarily through panting and releasing heat through their paw pads. Most dog breeds are built to retain heat rather than release it, which can make staying cool more challenging. Do not leave your dog in a vehicle when it is hot, even with the windows down.

• Never leave dogs in cars, conservatories, outbuildings or caravans on a hot day, even if it's just for a short while. When it's 22°C outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47°C in these environments, which can be deadly to dogs.
  

  South Downs Emergency Vets (based within Arun Veterinary Group) have kindly offered to be on call for the show. Call: 01903 746028

  “Please see the RSPCA web site Keeping Your Dog Safe in Summer | RSPCA - RSPCA - rspca.org.uk for more advice.”

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