The weekend of March 16 and 17, 2024 the Koninklijke Kempische Kynologenclub VZW Turnhout will once again organize their annual dog show commonly known as Schaal der Kempen.

The wide exhibition halls will be filled up with large numbers of men’s loyal four legged friend, the dog and their handler. Both only having one aim in mind looking at their best and winning the trophy Best In Show (BIS). 

The participants often come from countries other than ours. Yearly we welcome participants coming from Germany, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Italy ... . The fact that we can welcome, year by year, large numbers of foreign exhibitors should tell something about the good reputation we have built up throughout the years. In order to keep things interesting for the exhibitors we make sure that we invite a lot of judges from various countries. They differ year by year. Last year we had judges coming over from Portugal, Finland, Ireland, Hungary, etc. just to name a few.

What does a day at a dog show look like?

At 8:00 AM in the morning the exhibitors arrive and things get real crowded. At that time they can enter the building but not prior to passing the veterinarian checkup. He or she checks whether the dogs are in good health and whether they received all necessary vaccinations. This is needed to ensure that only healthy animals can participate.

The exhibition starts at 10 o'clock, so visitors are welcome from then on.

The parking on the domain is free.

The next item on the agenda is the grooming of the dog (clipping, trimming ...). Visiting our dog show you will certainly come across one or more of these activities.

The actual judging starts at 10:00 AM. For that purpose the dogs have been classified in certain classes:

In each class dogs and bitches are judged separately. Finally there is a winning dog and bitch in every class. All these winners, within a certain breed, have to compete against each other to determine which dog comes closest to the standard for that particular breed. Each breed has its specific standard by which they are judged. 

The best dog within a certain breed, can obtain the so called CAC-title (certificat d'aptitude au Championat), provided that they received the qualification excellent. If the dog wins several of these titles in Belgium and abroad, he can become a Belgian champion or even a CACIB (certificat d'aptitude au Championat International).

Next the best dogs of each breed compete with one another in the so called Main Ring. Generally this starts around 3:30 PM. Of all these potential champions the best dog is chosen. The best, read most beautiful, dog in show then receives the title Best in Show.

After a day full of excitement and suspense the exhibitors return home. Some very satisfied, some disappointed. 

Beside this show element there is also a commercial aspect to a dog show. Spread all over the exhibition area you can find different trade stands who will gladly answer all your questions concerning the food, grooming products, available leaches, books ... regarding your loyal friend.

Please feel free to come and have a look at what a dog show is all about. Everyone is welcome! Tickets for this events can be obtained at the gate for the price of € 6 adults and is free for children up to 12 years. If you as a visitor or exhibitor also bring a dog that does not participate in the show, you also have to pay € 6 for it. I am sure that at the end of the day you will look back at it and come to the conclusion that you had an instructive and pleasant experience. See you then!