2026 Pooch Parade at Kildare Derby Festival

Get ready for wagging tails, big smiles and a fantastic day out at the much-loved Pooch Parade, proudly part of the Kildare Derby Festival

With 7 fun competition classes, fabulous prizes sponsored by Connolly's RED MILLS and Petmania, plus plenty of entertainment for all the family, this is one of the most popular and heartwarming events of the festival.

The Pooch Parade brings together dog lovers, and a wider community for a celebration of our four-legged friends — mingle and mix with the amazing Irish Wolfhounds Club of Ireland and the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Whether your pooch is playful, glamorous, talented or simply adorable, there’s a class for everyone! If your dog is awarded Winner or Runner-Up in any class, they will automatically qualify for the exciting final championship round.

This one needs no explanation… is there a precious pet in your home who deserves a day out? Enter here and try your luck! Senior dogs, over 10 years only please.

A category for traditional, pure breed dogs. Have a lively Labrador, a jumping Jack or a wise Westie? This competition is for you! Open to all single breed dogs.

Some of our precious doggies are mixes of many different varieties. These are super cute survivors from a rocky start. This is their time to shine.

Puppy mania….a class of cuteness united! Finding a winner amongst this group is the most difficult judge role of all.

If you have style, breeding , elegance and a presence… then you must be a Labradoodle, or maybe a Cockapoo. All designer breeds are welcome in this category.

If you and your pooch love the chance to get dressed up and show off your best glad-rags. Enter this category and join in the parade of style!

Some humans are lucky enough to have the pleasure of giving unloved dogs a new beginning. Enter here to show these pooches just how loved they are.

We will welcome many dogs and request that you are aware of the

• Online entries close at 12pm on 23rd June.
• Limited entries will be available on the day of the show Wed 24 Jun - but no guarantee if classes fill up. Arrive before 6:15pm if you wish your dog on the day of the show.
• A Dog can be entered in more than one class, to do this enter the dog “separately” in each class.

In accordance with the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, the following breeds (and their cross-breeds) are considered restricted in Ireland:

American Pit Bull Terrier

Bull Mastiff

Doberman Pinscher

English Bull Terrier

German Shepherd (Alsatian)

Japanese Akita

Japanese Tosa

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rottweiler

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Bandog (and related crosses)

Thank you for your cooperation. Kildare Derby FestivaL

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Kildare Derby Festival