The second annual Dulverton Family Dog Show was held on Sunday 24 May on the Exmoor Lawns beside the River Barle in our pretty moorland town and was hailed a great success! The forecast promised to be extremely hot and sunny, so the organisers (volunteers from Visit Dulverton) ensured that the show ring, the refreshment stalls and seating were all put well into the shaded beneath the trees. Plenty of water bowls were put out for visiting dogs and all the dog owners who attended were delighted with the care shown. Needless to say, the ice cream van did a roaring trade!
Show Judge Pauline Tolhurst BVSc MRCVS and her assistant Sue Blackmore were also happy to go ahead with the event with the show ring in the shade. Both said they were impressed with the attention to detail and the standard of event organisation. Almost 200 entries were taken for the 16 classes – including traditional classes such as the Cutest Puppy (up to 12 months old) and the Best Working Dog, with a new class for the Best Local Gun Dog (living within 5 miles of Dulverton). There were also classic fun classes such as the Dog with the Waggiest Tail and the Best Sit and Stay. All the classes were well attended and Masons Kings vouchers were awarded to the winner of each class, with rosettes to 4th place.
A great catch in the Best Ball Catcher class!
The overall Best in Show (title picture) was Welsh Springer Spaniel, Lottie from Norton Fitzwarren, with her owner Helen Hayes. The Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show took home a fabulous rosette; a hamper donated by Masons Kings of Exebridge, filled with a wide collection of doggie treats and toys; and a beautifully engraved photo frame in the shape of a kennel, created by Exmoor Engraving of Minehead.
Reserve Best in Show was Lurcher, Murdock from Luccombe, with his owner Lux Flind. Lux and Murdock had also won the ‘Dog Who Looked Most Like It’s Owner’ class, with his brindle colour coat captured brilliantly by Lux wearing a tiger costume!
Winner of the Dog Who Looked Most Like Its Owner class, Lux Flind and Lurcher, Murdock
Winner of the Fancy Dress class, Jack Russell Terrier, Wilbur with his owner Jeff Pegrum – “Jack in a Box”
The Fancy Dress class was new for 2026 and was won by Jack Russell Terrier, Wilbur from Dulverton, with his owner Jeff Pegrum – Wilbur was a ‘Jack in a Box’! Other great costumes included Sarah Burton’s Jack Russell Terrier, Lord Snowdon and German Wirehaired Pointer, Ludo dressed as Batman and Robin; and Allison Crisp’s Cocker Spaniel puppy, Theo dressed as a tiny lion with Allison as a lion tamer!
Cocker Spaniel Puppy, Theo, as a tiny Lion with owner Allison Crisp as his Tamer!
Batman and Robin, aka Lord Snowdon and Ludo
Four-legged friends of all ages, sizes and breeds were warmly welcomed to this fabulous Exmoor community event.
The event was generously sponsored by local businesses The Bridge Inn, Shalden Shooting School, Tarr Farm Inn and Masons Kings. Thanks to animal photographer Billie Isaac of Field & Fable Photography for the many excellent photos of Dulverton’s four-legged friends. A selection of Billie’s photos and others can be found HERE.
Make a note of the date for next year’s show – Sunday 30 May 2027.
