Jamshedpur Dog Show begins Jan 9; 326 dogs from 43 breeds to compete

JKC Championship: Top 8 local dogs to be crowned ‘Best of Jamshedpur’

79th, 80th & 81st JKC Championship Dog Shows to draw national and international participation

World-class dogs, international judges, and major canine competitions set to mark three-day celebration at JRD Tata Sports Complex

Jamshedpur, Jan 7: The city is all set to witness a grand celebration of canine excellence with the 79th, 80th, and 81st Championship Dog Shows, organised by the Jamshedpur Kennel Club (JKC), from January 9 to 11, 2026. The prestigious three-day event will be held at the Archery Ground of the JRD Tata Sports Complex and is expected to attract dog lovers, breeders, and enthusiasts from across India and abroad.

Addressing a press meet at the Archery Ground on January 7 JKC President Ruchi Narendran said that the championship dog shows have grown into one of the most respected events in the canine sporting calendar of the country. She said the event would feature world-class dogs, renowned judges, and multiple competitive categories, making it a major attraction for the canine fraternity.

Multiple Competitive Events Lined Up

According to Narendran, the three-day event will include obedience trials, a Labrador Retriever Specialty Show, a Beagle Specialty Show, and an All Breeds Championship Show. Judges from India and several other countries will officiate the competitions. “We are proud to host some of the finest judges from across the world, all of whom are FCI-certified and regularly judge at World Dog Shows,” she said.

Inauguration on January 9

The programme will begin on January 9 with benching of exhibits, followed by the inauguration ceremony at 9:00 am. The event will be formally inaugurated by Tata Steel CEO and Managing Director TV Narendran. Obedience test classes will be conducted from 10:00 am, and prize distribution for obedience trials will take place in the evening.

Highly Regarded Obedience Competition

The JKC Obedience Competition, regarded as one of the most respected obedience events in India, will see participation from 39 dogs this year. Among them, 20 dogs will compete for Post Graduate Qualification, while seven dogs will take part in the Companion Dog assessment, which includes dogs trained for medical and support purposes.

Specialty and Championship Shows on Day Two

On January 10, the focus will shift to specialty and championship shows. The Labrador Retriever Specialty Show and Beagle Specialty Show will be conducted in the morning, followed by the 79th JKC Championship Dog Show. Prize distribution for all shows will take place in the evening. The Labrador and Beagle specialty events will be judged by Irina Poletaeva and Perttu Stahlberg from Finland, while the 79th JKC Show will be judged by an international panel including Natalia Mestvirishvili (Georgia), Irina Poletaeva (Finland), Nawin Sangvivake (Thailand), and Perttu Stahlberg (Finland).

Final Day Showcases 80th and 81st Championships

The final day, January 11, will feature the 80th and 81st JKC Championship Dog Shows, with prize distribution for the respective shows scheduled in the evening.

Large Participation and Diverse Breeds

A major highlight of this year’s event is the scale of participation. As many as 326 dogs from 43 different breeds will compete for the coveted Best in Show titles. Along with several exotic breeds, spectators will get to see rare and impressive dogs such as the Tibetan Mastiff, Chow Chow, Dogo Argentino, and English Setter in the show ring.

Focus on Indigenous Indian Breeds

Significantly, native Indian breeds will also take centre stage. Dogs such as the Caravan Hound, Combai, Mudhol Hound, Pashmi, and Rajapalayam will participate, underlining JKC’s commitment to promoting indigenous breeds alongside international ones.

Special Recognition for Local Dogs and Handlers

Another special attraction this year is an exclusive event for local pet owners. The top eight dogs from Jamshedpur will be ranked from Best in Show (1st) to 8th Best in Show and will be recognised as the best local dogs of the city. Awards for Best Local Handler and Reserve Best Handler will also be presented to encourage and promote local talent.

Ruchi Narendran said the championship dog shows are not just competitions but a platform to promote responsible breeding, training, and awareness about canine health and standards. “These shows help strengthen Jamshedpur’s position on the national and international canine map,” she added.