ICBD receives authorization to organize the official WDF representative event on 1–2 May 2027 in the Naples area
The World Dog Federation is proud to announce an important new milestone in its international development.
The ICBD – Club Italiano Cani di Razza, the official Italian organization operating within the World Dog Federation network, has formally submitted its organizational project and received authorization to proceed with the preparation of the WDF Global Dog Show 2027, a world representative canine event scheduled to take place in Italy.
The event will be held on Saturday, 1 May and Sunday, 2 May 2027, in a location situated in the area surrounding Naples, one of Italy’s most internationally recognized territories. The definitive venue will be officially announced once the technical and logistical assignment process has been completed.
The dates have been deliberately selected during one of the most favourable periods of the European canine exhibition season. The official technical programme already identifies two full days of judging, special rings, honour finals and the concluding Best in Show competition.
Celebrating Ten Years of the World Dog Federation
The 2027 event will hold particular historical and institutional significance, as it will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the founding of the World Dog Federation.
Over the past decade, WDF has worked to develop an international canine system founded on cooperation among national kennel organizations, technical independence, scientific selection, transparency and respect for the pluralism of the world canine community.
The Global Dog Show 2027 will therefore be much more than a traditional dog exhibition. It will represent the public expression of the WDF’s international vision and the evolution of its scientific selection project, identified as the:
World Canine Science Federation
Through this project, WDF intends to promote a modern approach to cynology in which morphological evaluation is combined with genetic responsibility, behavioural balance, functional soundness and animal welfare.
The technical dossier prepared for the event describes a programme intended to enhance the morphological, genetic and behavioural quality of dogs, while placing animal welfare and the zootechnical excellence of breeders at the centre of the entire initiative.
An Event of Magic, Prestige and Professional Excellence
Breeders, exhibitors, handlers, judges, canine organizations and enthusiasts should prepare themselves for an event designed to bring together the magic of a major international celebration with the highest standards of technical and professional organization.
The Global Dog Show 2027 will welcome expert judges from several countries, creating an international judging panel capable of representing different canine cultures, technical traditions and specialist fields.
Every appointed judge will be required to hold an appropriate international qualification and to operate according to strict principles of independence, transparency and professional ethics. Each dog will receive a technical evaluation covering morphology, movement, gait, temperament and overall presentation.
The objective will not simply be to identify the most aesthetically impressive dogs, but to recognize subjects capable of representing the values promoted by the World Dog Federation:
health, balance, functionality, breed identity, genetic responsibility and respect for the dog.
ICBD Selections Begin in Italy
In preparation for this historic appointment, the ICBD Club Italiano Cani di Razza will immediately begin a strengthened programme of selection within its Italian show rings.
Throughout the events preceding May 2027, judges and technical officials will pay particular attention to identifying the most representative Italian subjects.
These preliminary selections will offer breeders and exhibitors the opportunity to demonstrate the quality of their breeding programmes and to prepare their dogs for access to the most prestigious classes of the WDF world event.
The selection process will focus on:
- morphological quality and conformity with the applicable breed standard;
- correct and functional movement;
- physical condition and general health;
- behavioural stability and ring temperament;
- harmony between dog and handler;
- quality and consistency of breeding programmes;
- responsible selection free from disabling hyper-types.
Only the subjects demonstrating the highest levels of quality, preparation and balance will be able to aspire to represent Italian canine excellence within the principal rings of the Global Dog Show.
An International and Inclusive Canine Programme
The event programme is being developed to represent the full diversity of contemporary international cynology.
Alongside traditional breed classes, the project includes specialised competitions for breeds recognized by different international circuits, handling competitions, breeder groups and categories dedicated to dogs that are not normally represented within conventional studbook systems.
The official programme is expected to include:
International Breed Judging, Non-FCI Breed Special Rings, Junior Handler, Competitor Handler, Top Breeder, Special Honour Rings, Fantasy and Mixed-Breed Classes, Group Finals and Best in Show.
This inclusive structure reflects the WDF principle that participation should be based on transparent technical requirements, merit and respect for animal welfare rather than on closed or monopolistic organizational systems.
The submitted technical dossier formally requests the inclusion of the event within the WDF official world circuit and establishes its structural, sanitary and operational framework.
Animal Welfare at the Centre of the Event
The Global Dog Show 2027 will be organized according to strict veterinary and welfare protocols.
Access to the exhibition area will be subject to veterinary checks, microchip verification and examination of the required health documentation. Dogs showing signs of infectious disease, physical suffering, uncontrolled aggression or conditions incompatible with safe participation may be refused entry or removed from the event.
The venue will also be required to provide extensive shaded areas, suitable technical flooring, large judging rings and appropriate systems for protecting dogs from excessive heat. The organizational plan provides for four principal judging rings and specific measures for safeguarding sensitive breeds, including brachycephalic dogs.
These provisions express a fundamental WDF principle:
There can be no true canine excellence without the protection, dignity and welfare of the dog.
The Road to Naples Begins Now
The countdown has officially begun.
On 1 and 2 May 2027, the international canine community will gather in the Naples area to celebrate ten years of the World Dog Federation and to participate in an event intended to mark the beginning of a new phase in world cynology.
Further information concerning the definitive venue, international judging panel, breed distribution, registration procedures, qualifying events, titles and official programme will be published progressively through the communication channels of the World Dog Federation and the ICBD Club Italiano Cani di Razza.
Prepare your dogs. Strengthen your breeding programmes. Enter the ICBD selection rings.
The finest Italian and international subjects are about to meet under the WDF flag.