Is your dog Best in Show?
In partnership with Paws at Peace
One of the most loved parts of the North East Dog Festival returns for 2026 — our fun, friendly charity dog shows!
Whether your dog is a seasoned show star or just loves a bit of attention, our dog shows are all about celebrating personality, raising money for great causes, and having fun together.
Honouring the bond, every step of the way.
We understand the profound and emotional journey of saying goodbye to a cherished pet.
At Paws at Peace, we believe that every pet deserves to be surrounded by love and familiar comforts throughout their entire life.
As a family run, independent veterinary practice, we are dedicated to providing gentle, dignified end of life care right in the heart of the home.
Serving families across the North East, Northumberland and Yorkshire, our team brings decades of experience to ensure your final moments together are peaceful, private, and entirely stress free.
Inspired by our own love for our dogs, we are here to support your family with genuine empathy and a friendly, helping hand whenever you might need us.
Northumberland Dog Rescue
In partnership with Dog Show Sponsor Paws at Peace
We’re proud to welcome Northumberland Dog Rescue to run one of our 2026 charity dog shows; sponsored by Paws at Peace. Northumberland Dog Rescue is an established, volunteer-led charity committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs across the region — from Newcastle upon Tyne to Berwick upon Tweed.
They work closely with local authorities, veterinary practices, and welfare organisations to ensure every dog in their care has the best possible chance of finding a forever home. With lifetime rescue back-up, and a dedicated team of volunteers, fosterers, and staff, they go above and beyond to match every dog with the right home.
By entering a class, you’ll be helping raise vital funds to support their incredible work.
10:30am – Best Biscuit Catcher
11:00am – Best Old Timer (8+)
11:30am – Pawsome Pup (Under 1 Year)
12:00pm – Loveliest Lady
12:30pm – Most Handsome Fella
1:00pm – Best Rescue
1:30pm – Best Child Handler
2:00pm – Fastest Sit
2:30pm – Best Fancy Dress*
3:00pm – Waggiest Tail
3:30pm – Overall Best in Show
(1st place winners from each class invited back)
Dog Show Classes
Dog shows run throughout the weekend with a range of classes. Each class has a start time and can be entered via registration at the corresponding charity dog show area on the day. Dog shows are rope fenced and entry fees may vary from show to show and are set by the charities not the festival. All 1st place winners can visit the stewards area with their 1st place rosette to choose a limited edition festival character pin badge. Please note that timings are approximate and classes may be subject to change. *Fancy dress must be comfortable and well-fitting, not cause distress to the dog and be tolerated by the dog.
Important Information
Classes run throughout the day and you can enter on the day at the Northumberland Dog Rescue ring.
Timings are approximate and may be subject to change.
All 1st place winners can visit the stewards’ area with their rosette to receive a limited edition festival character pin badge.
*Fancy dress outfits must be comfortable, well-fitting, and not cause distress to your dog.
Quick Fire Questions with our Dog Show Sponsor Paws at Peace...
What's your elevator pitch?
We believe every dog deserves to stay in their 'happy place' until the very end.
We provide a mobile, compassionate veterinary service that specialises in at-home farewells.
It is all about giving families the choice to say goodbye in a familiar, private setting, ensuring the experience is as gentle for the pet as it is for the people who love them.
Quick Fire Questions with our Dog Show Sponsor Paws at Peace...
What makes you different?
We believe that a pet’s 'happy place' shouldn't just be for their best days, but for their last days too. Many people don’t realise that a clinic visit isn't the only way to say goodbye.
We provide a calm, 7-day per week service that prioritises your pet's comfort above all else because we’ve been through this ourselves and treat every family with the same empathy we would want for our own dogs.
With decades of veterinary experience, we focus on empathy and genuine connection rather than just clinical care. We are here to provide the flexibility and time that families need to say a truly loving farewell, on their own terms and in their own time.
