Important Information for TIERisch gut 2026 and the Requirements According to § 10 TierSchHuV
The International Dog Show and the Pedigree Cat Show will take place as part of TIERisch gut – the trade fair for dogs and cats on Nov 28 & 29, 2026, at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center.
As the organizer, we are obligated under § 11 Para. 1 TierSchG and the requirements of the Animal Welfare Dog Ordinance to ensure that only dogs that meet the animal welfare and disease control requirements participate in the event.
An order was issued by the Veterinary and Food Inspection Office of the Karlsruhe District Office on June 30, 2026, and following a statement by the organizer, this order was amended on August 11, 2026.
Below, we summarize the general participation requirements, the evidence to be submitted with the registration for the International Dog Show, and the procedure for the vet check during the event.
The regulations of § 10 TierSchHuV and the associated requirements are not only binding for participants in the dog show but also apply to dogs presented in other parts of the event (junior handling, breed presentations, demonstrations in the supporting program, etc.).
The section “Externally recognizable exclusion criteria” describes the features for which all participating dogs can be checked on-site.
The section “Hidden exclusion criteria” brings together the examinations, laboratory tests, and genetic tests for each dog breed.
On-site Vet Check
For certain dog breeds, it is intended that all participating dogs take part in the on-site vet check. In the relevant cases, this replaces more extensive examinations in advance. Instead of having to carry out additional examinations before registration, the visual and functional check relevant to animal welfare law is carried out by the attending veterinarians of the regional association directly on the event grounds.
Additionally, dogs of other breeds may be selected for the vet check on a random or case-by-case basis. These dogs will be checked specifically for visible exclusion criteria.
The basis for the check is the externally recognizable exclusion criteria, as well as any indications from the entrance control, ring activity, or Breed Specific Instructions.
Procedure and Scope of the Vet Check
Exhibitors will be informed in advance if their dog is scheduled for a vet check by the organizer. A separate entrance will be set up for these dogs. Only the admission ticket will be scanned at this entrance. The vet check, including the inspection of vaccination records, takes place in the Medical Center. Separate registration counters are available there. The regional association staff checks the documents, assigns the dogs, and then distributes the exhibitors to the booths of the attending veterinarians. The check takes place before heading to the judging rings. The dog is only admitted for judging in the ring once the vet check has been carried out and there are no veterinary concerns.
In particular, visible and functionally relevant features such as breathing and thermoregulation, eyes and eyelids, tail, skull and dental abnormalities, skin and coat, vibrissae, lameness, and other externally recognizable signs that may indicate animal welfare-relevant torture breeding characteristics are examined. Any abnormalities are documented by the veterinarians. If findings relevant to animal welfare are established, the dog may be excluded from participation. In this case, the entry fee will be refunded by the organizer.
To give you an overview of how the on-site vet check is carried out, we have created a video for illustration purposes.
Rabies Vaccination
All dogs brought to TIERisch gut must have been proven to be vaccinated against rabies at least three weeks before the event. The EU Pet Passport serves as proof.
The rabies vaccination is valid for 12 months from the day of vaccination. If a longer validity is to be claimed, this must be proven by entering the validity in the vaccination record or in the EU Pet Passport in the “Valid until” field. If a dog vaccinated against rabies receives a booster vaccination before the end of the existing vaccination’s validity, the so-called 3-week period does not apply. In the case of a first vaccination, the dog must have been at least 3 months old at the time of vaccination and the vaccination must have taken place at least 21 days before the event.
Young dogs born and raised in Germany (under 15 weeks of age) that have no or not yet effective vaccination protection against rabies are only admitted if the owner presents a veterinary certificate stating that the dog has been examined and found to be free of clinical signs of rabies. This certificate must not be older than 10 days.
Young dogs from abroad (under 15 weeks of age) are not admitted.
General Exhibition Regulations
Various regulations must be observed for participation in the exhibition. We have summarized the most important rules for you, from the VDH and FCI exhibition regulations to mandatory vaccinations.
FCI and VDH Exhibition Regulations
Permitted Dogs
Only pedigree dogs whose standard is registered with the FCI and which are entered in a studbook or register recognized by the FCI are permitted. Identity checks of the registered dogs are possible. Please bring the pedigree to the exhibition.
Biting, sick, or vermin-infested dogs, as well as female dogs that are visibly pregnant or nursing or accompanied by their puppies, may not be brought onto the exhibition grounds. Anyone who brings sick dogs to an exhibition is liable for the resulting consequences. Proven deaf or blind dogs may not participate in an exhibition. Female dogs in heat may be exhibited at date-protected pedigree dog shows.
Dogs that have proven to be biting or inappropriately aggressive towards humans or other dogs at a pedigree dog show may be subject to a temporary or permanent exhibition ban. This also applies to dogs on which irreversible manipulations have been performed.
