Dulverton Family Dog Show
The second annual Dulverton Family Dog Show took place on the afternoon of Sunday 24 May on the pretty Exmoor Lawns beside the River Barle in the heart of our charming 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.
The Dog Show in full swing with a clear blue sky
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.
Judge Pauline Tolhurst examining German Wirehaired Pointer, Ludo, in the Best Rescued Dog 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.
Winner of the Dog Who Looked Most Like Its Owner class, Lux Flind and Lurcher, Murdock
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 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!
Batman and Robin, aka Lord Snowdon and Ludo
Cocker Spaniel Puppy, Theo, as a tiny Lion with owner Allison Crisp as his Tamer!
Four-legged friends of all ages, sizes and breeds were warmly welcomed to this fabulous Exmoor community event.
Springer Spaniel, Lola with owner Sue Cottrell
Thanks to animal photographer Billie Isaac of Field & Fable Photography for the many excellent photos of Dulverton’s four-legged friends, some of which can be found below.
Winners of the Best Matching Pairs class
Please make a note of the date for next year’s show – Sunday 30 May 2027.
With Thanks to our Sponsors and the Show Judge
Grateful thanks to the generous local businesses who have sponsored the 2026 Dulverton Family Dog Show… The Bridge Inn of Dulverton, Masons Kings of Exebridge, Shalden Shooting School of Tiverton and Tarr Farm Inn at Tarr Steps.
We are also immensely grateful and humbled to have been given a donation towards the event in memory of a much-loved and much-missed Dulverton dog, Border Collie Ross Huckins.
The Committee wishes to thank the Show Judge, Pauline Tolhurst BVSc MRCVS, Sue Blackmore and all the volunteers and helpers.
Click HERE to look back at the 2026 Show Schedule.
Thanks also to the excellent suppliers of refreshments… the Burger Factory R&R from Barnstaple, The Bridge Inn’s Popup Bar, Really Wild Coffee (barista style!), East Devon Ices from Sidmouth and amazing Homemade Cakes by Juliet.
