Eighty-five dogs from 17 breeds across six countries will compete for four coveted “Best in Show” titles at the August Classic Dog Show 2025.
Scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 12 PM to 7 PM at the Dzorwulu Astroturf, the event will feature top canines from West Africa and South America. The competition will be judged by esteemed FCI judges, Espen Engh from Norway and Jenny Hubbard from South Africa.
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The show will award four distinct Best in Show titles:
Best in Show for Shih Tzu National Specialty
Best in Show for the August Classic
Best in Show for the West African Class
Best in Show for Locally Bred Dog, West Africa
Dogs Registered for August Classic Dog Show 2025
At the close of registration, 85 dogs from 17 different breeds had made over 150 entries, all vying to be crowned the best dogs in West Africa, as well as Champions and Grand Champions of Ghana.
The August Classic Dog Show 2025 is more than a competition; it’s a great opportunity for dogs to socialize and for families to connect with fellow dog lovers and enthusiasts. Attendees can meet top breeders from West Africa, get a firsthand look at the 17 competing breeds, and purchase premium dog brands at discounted prices.
A gate fee of only GH₵30.00 will be charged, with free entry for children under 16 years old.
The show is organized by Dog Show Ghana LBG in collaboration with the Kennel Union of Ghana. It is brought to you with the kind sponsorship of Adanfopa Petcare, distributors of Botaniqa, Burbur, and Hydra shampoos, and supported by Groot Boerboels and Haus of Vigilio Rottweilers.
List of breeds competing:
Below is a list of registered breeds that would be stunning the August Classic Dog Show 2025.
Shih Tzu (19)
The Shih Tzu is a small, affectionate dog with a luxurious coat. Originating from Tibet, it was bred as a companion dog for Chinese royalty. Despite its small size, the Shih Tzu has a sturdy build and is known for its sweet, friendly nature. They are great for apartment living due to their calm demeanour, but require regular grooming due to their long, dense coat. Shih Tzus are social, loving, and often form strong bonds with their owners.
German Shepherd (19)
German Shepherds are large, powerful, and intelligent dogs. Initially bred for herding, they are now widely used in police, military, and service work. Their loyalty, courage, and trainability make them excellent working dogs. With a strong protective instinct, they are often wary of strangers but form deep bonds with their families. Their dense double coat requires regular grooming, and they benefit from daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Rottweiler (7)
Rottweilers are large, muscular dogs originally bred for herding and guarding cattle. Known for their strength, loyalty, and protective instincts, they make excellent guard dogs. However, they require proper training and socialisation from a young age to prevent dominance. Rottweilers are affectionate and devoted to their families, but can be aloof and cautious around strangers. They need consistent leadership and mental stimulation, as well as physical
Belgian Shepherd (7)
The Belgian Shepherd is a group of breeds that includes the Tervuren, Laekenois, Malinois, and Groendael. Known for their intelligence, agility, and trainability, these dogs excel in police work, search-and-rescue, and dog sports. They are medium to large-sized dogs with a strong herding background, and they tend to be very energetic. Belgian Shepherds are protective, loyal, and thrive in active households where they have a job to do. Their long coats require regular grooming.
Dobermann (6)
Dobermanns are sleek, strong dogs known for their elegance and intelligence. Often used as guard dogs, Dobermanns are courageous and alert, making them excellent protectors of their home and family. Despite their reputation as fierce dogs, they are affectionate and loyal to their owners. They require early socialisation, regular training, and plenty of exercise to remain happy and balanced. Their short coat is easy to maintain, but they can be sensitive to extreme weather conditions.
Boerboel (7)
The Boerboel is a large and powerful dog breed originating from South Africa. It was originally bred to protect farms from predators and intruders. These dogs are confident, courageous, and deeply protective of their family. They are also known to be highly intelligent and responsive to training. Still, they require experienced owners who can assert leadership. Boerboels are calm and gentle with their families but can be wary of strangers. They thrive with a structured routine and plenty of space.
Standard Poodle (4)
The Standard Poodle is an elegant, brilliant, and athletic breed. Known for their curly, hypoallergenic coat, Poodles were originally bred for water retrieval in hunting. They are versatile dogs that excel in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Despite their regal appearance, Poodles are friendly, playful, and form strong bonds with their families. They are also very trainable, making them excellent pets for families who can provide mental and physical stimulation. Regular grooming is essential to keep their coat in good condition.
Corgi (2)
Corgis are small but sturdy dogs with short legs and long bodies. They were initially bred as herding dogs in Wales, and they retain their high energy and agility. Corgis are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal, making them excellent family pets. They are playful and get along well with children and other pets. Still, they do require mental stimulation and physical exercise to prevent boredom. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to avoid matting and shedding.
Cane Corso (2)
The Cane Corso is an Italian Mastiff known for its large, muscular frame and protective nature. Bred to guard property and hunt large game, Cane Corsos are loyal, confident, and protective of their families. They require firm, consistent training and early socialisation to ensure they are well-behaved and adaptable. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are affectionate and gentle with their family members. Cane Corsos do best in homes with experienced owners and plenty of space.
Presa Canario (2)
The Presa Canario is a large, powerful breed from the Canary Islands, originally bred to work with livestock. They are strong-willed, protective, and loyal dogs that require experienced owners. Presas are highly trainable but can be dominant if not properly socialised and trained. They are calm and affectionate with their families but can be aloof with strangers. Presa Canarios need early socialisation, consistent training, and plenty of exercise to be well-balanced.
Chow Chow (2)
Chow Chows are known for their distinctive appearance, including a lion-like mane and a blue-black tongue. They are an ancient breed originally from China, where they were used for guarding and hunting. Chow Chows are independent, strong-willed, and can be aloof with strangers, but they are affectionate with their families. They are known for their calm demeanour and can be pretty stubborn, making training a challenge. Their thick, double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
Lhasa Apso (2)
Lhasa Apsos are small, sturdy dogs with a long, flowing coat. Originally bred to guard Tibetan monasteries, they are independent, confident, and alert. While they are loyal to their families, Lhasa Apsos can be aloof with strangers. They are excellent watchdogs and tend to be vocal when alerting their owners to anything unusual. Their long coat requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance, and they benefit from moderate exercise and mental stimulation.
Labrador Retriever (2)
Labradors are one of the most popular dog breeds due to their friendly, outgoing nature and versatility. They are medium to large-sized dogs known for their intelligence, loyalty, and gentle temperament. Originally bred as retrievers, they excel in obedience and make excellent family pets. Labs are highly trainable and thrive in homes where they can receive plenty of attention, exercise, and mental stimulation. They have a short, water-resistant coat that sheds seasonally.
French Bulldog (1)
French Bulldogs are a small, muscular breed known for their distinctive bat-like ears and compact bodies. Despite their small size, they are strong and have a charming, affectionate personality. French Bulldogs are playful, social, and enjoy being the centre of attention. They are well-suited to apartment living due to their low exercise needs. Still, they can suffer from health issues related to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) faces, such as breathing difficulties. They require regular check-ups and a comfortable living environment.
Samoyed (1)
Samoyeds are known for their fluffy white coat and “Sammy smile.” They are friendly, gentle, and energetic dogs originally bred to herd reindeer in Siberia. Samoyeds are affectionate with their families and enjoy being involved in all aspects of family life. They are known for their playful nature and are often good with children and other pets. Due to their thick coat, Samoyeds need regular grooming to prevent matting and reduce shedding. They also require daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy.
American Cocker Spaniel (1)
The American Cocker Spaniel is a small to medium-sized dog with a long, silky coat. They are known for their sweet, affectionate nature and their excellent temperament around children and other pets. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they are eager to please and highly trainable. American Cocker Spaniels thrive in homes where they are given plenty of attention and exercise. Their long coat requires regular grooming, and they benefit from consistent training and socialisation to avoid behavioural issues.
Golden Retriever (1)
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular family dogs, known for their friendly, gentle, and intelligent nature. They are large, strong dogs originally bred for retrieving game. Golden Retrievers are highly trainable and excel in obedience, making them excellent service dogs, therapy dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. They are good with children and other pets, and their affectionate personality makes them wonderful companions. Their golden, water-resistant coat sheds throughout the year and requires regular grooming.
