Tashkent Holds Dog Festival 2025 at Uzbekistan’s National Canine Centre
On October 26, Uzbekistan’s National Canine Centre under the State Customs Committee hosted one of the country’s largest dog festivals. The event featured the international Dog Festival 2025 and the national dog exhibition Anor 2025, drawing dog lovers, breeders, and handlers from across Uzbekistan and beyond.
The programme included the Speciality Hunting Breeds competition, a German Shepherd championship titled Club Cup: Autumn 2025, and impressive demonstrations by customs handlers and their service dogs. Across five show rings, professional handlers presented the best examples of 40 breeds to experts and spectators.
Exotic Breeds Steal the Show
The highlight of the festival was the Show of Champions, where the most graceful and well-groomed dogs competed for top honours. Visitors were captivated by rare and exotic breeds such as Caucasian Shepherds, Japanese Akitas and Shiba Inus, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Siberian Huskies, and Afghan Hounds.
While the Central Asian Shepherd, or Alabai, remains the dominant working dog in Uzbekistan’s rural regions, many urban enthusiasts prefer elegant and rare breeds despite the challenges of keeping them in the country’s hot climate.
Unlike cat shows, where spectators far outnumber participants, Dog Festival 2025 drew an almost equal number of visitors and competitors, reflecting a more niche yet deeply dedicated canine community. In Uzbekistan, where most of the population is Muslim, dogs are appreciated mainly by owners, enthusiasts, and experts who actively promote a culture of respect toward them.
National Canine Centre’s Growing Role
The event was organised by the Alfa Dog Canine Centre with support from the National Canine Centre (NCC). The NCC, founded in October 1996 in Tashkent’s Sergeli district, serves as the country’s hub for training service dogs used in narcotics detection, explosives search, counterterrorism, security, and rescue operations.
In 2008, the NCC was granted the status of Regional Canine Centre by the World Customs Organization. Over the years, its dogs have played key roles in uncovering major crimes involving illegal drugs, weapons, and ammunition. Twenty-five customs handlers have received state awards for distinguished service.
Held on the NCC’s well-equipped grounds surrounded by trees and flower lawns, Dog Festival 2025 not only celebrated canine diversity but also highlighted the growing partnership between the state and Uzbekistan’s dog enthusiasts.
