From Bark to Brilliance: Inside the Principality’s Glitziest Dog Show on Earth

This weekend, the glitz and glamour of Monaco won’t be confined to casino floors or Formula 1 circuits. Instead, it’s going straight to the dogs — and HelloMonaco means that in the best way possible. Welcome to the 2025 Monaco International Dog Show, a record-breaking canine carnival where elegance meets enthusiasm, and every tail tells a story.

Held under the grand marquee at Fontvieille, the Principality is going paw-deep into its annual tribute to man’s best friend. With 1,430 four-legged competitors representing 262 breeds from 29 countries, the show has officially gone global — and glamorous. From Peru to Finland, Ireland to Romania, the world’s most pampered pooches have converged on Monaco to strut, sniff, and sparkle.

Four Noble French Breeds

And this year? It’s historic. Not only are the numbers through the roof, but four noble French breeds are stepping into the spotlight: the Pyrenean Shepherd, Beauceron, Briard, and the charismatic Picardy Shepherd.

The Société Canine de Monaco, founded in 1927 by Princess Charlotte, isn’t just hosting a show — it’s staging a living legacy. From Princess Charlotte to her daughter Princess Antoinette, to Baroness Elizabeth-Ann de Massy, and now under the leadership of Melanie-Antoinette de Massy, the society has remained a regal affair. Monaco’s dog show is more than an event — it’s a dynastic tradition.

Competition Categories

But don’t think it’s all polished paws and pedigree pomp. The competition has bite. Canines will compete across a smorgasbord of age brackets — from the adorably awkward Minor Puppies (3 to 6 months) to the stately Veterans (7+ years), and even involving the energetic Junior Handlers. There are special categories for future star handlers aged 5 to 17, split into two age-based groups, giving the next generation of dog lovers a chance to shine.

Judging all this canine charisma is an elite panel of nine international experts, handpicked from across Europe and beyond.But the true stars? They walk on four legs and steal hearts with every wag. Expect to see a Chihuahua working the camera like a supermodel, or a Puli bouncing like a living mop with a PhD in cuteness.

The event also holds the distinction of being a qualifier for Crufts 2026, the Wimbledon of woof. So yes, this is serious dog business — with the glitz of Monte Carlo and the heart of Lassie.

Admission? ten euros, and free for kids under 12 — a small price for the spectacle of a thousand tails in coordinated wag. There’s something infectious about the joy that only a dog — or a whole arena full of them — can spark.

The Monaco International Dog Show is where dog dreams come true. One bark at a time. See you under the marquee. Don’t forget your best friend — and your best camera.