Liverpool ONE is calling on the city’s cutest, most talented canines to be given the chance to be crowned champions at its first-ever dog show.
The event, which takes place on Sunday 5 September, invites dog owners to enter their furry pals into one of six categories: Cutest Puppy; Prettiest Pooch; Best Tricks; Handsomest Boy; Waggiest Tail; and Fancy Dress.
Hosted by The Guide’s Leanne Campbell, the Liverpool ONE Dog Show will see entrants given one minute on stage to impress the judging panel, before parading through the audience on Chavasse Park.
There will be a judging panel comprised of Danielle Greenberg, owner of The Liverpool Vets, Caitlin Carroll, from The Original Dog Bakery; and Jan Hughes, from charity partner Care for the Paw.
The event will also include Q&A sessions led by Danielle Greenberg, who will offer audience members the opportunity to ask for advice on their pooches’ wellness, nutrition and overall health habits.
Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said:
“We’re really excited to finally be able to reveal details of our first-ever dog show. It’s been something that we’ve wanted to do for a while now and it’s fantastic to see the plans coming together.
“Throughout lockdown, the number of dog owners has increased massively as many of us have decided to add a furry addition to the family for extra company and companionship, so we know there must be lots of lovely new pooches out there!
“We’ve always been extremely dog-friendly at Liverpool ONE, from the dog bowls located across the estate to the number of cafes and restaurants on site that welcome dogs – this is our chance to reward some of Liverpool’s cutest, prettiest, most talented canines!”
As the event’s official charity partner, Liverpool-based Care for the Paw, which works to support the dogs of those who are sleeping rough or living in temporary accommodation, will be running a collection on the day. The charity is currently raising funds for Staffordshire Bull Terrier Buster, who is in urgent need of an operation to remove a lump on his leg.
Jan Hughes, founder of Care for the Paw, said:
“As a small charity, we rely solely on donations to carry out our vital work for dogs with owners who are sleeping rough.
“However, over the last 18 months, our income has drastically reduced but our demand has risen, so any support we can be given from members of the public, including those attending the Liverpool ONE Dog Show, will be a huge help.”
The free-to-enter Liverpool ONE Dog Show will take place between 1pm and 4pm, with registration taking place from 11am to 12pm. Places are limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
All entrants will receive a special rosette, with each category winner taking home a celebratory cake from The Original Dog Bakery and a £50 Liverpool ONE gift card.
Among Liverpool ONE’s efforts to be as dog-friendly as possible are water bowls for dogs, as well as restaurants that welcome pet dogs, while stores such as Oliver Bonas and John Lewis have a range of dog clothes, toys and beds.
Donna added: “We know that the competition will be stiff to crown winners and we’re confident that we have some of the most pampered, most preened and groomed dogs around, so we’re really looking forward to seeing what they all have to offer.
“But most of all, this is about the family enjoying a day out together including their much-loved dogs!”
For further information on how to register interest, visit www.liverpool-one.com/dogshow
