Best in show: Torremolinos dog show event draws thousands of pooches

Torremolinos became the international capital of the canine world on November 15 and 16, as the Palacio de Congresos hosted a new edition of the International Dog Fair.

The Sociedad Canina de la Costa del Sol (Canine Society of the Costa del Sol), which organised the annual event, one of the biggest of its kind in Spain, counted 1,300 dogs of more than 200 breeds, with other sources suggesting the total reached almost 2,000 specimens of 153 different breeds. The show attracted a massive crowd, with last year’s pulling in more than 12,000 visitors. Exact figures for 2025 have not yet been released.

A celebration of canine beauty and skill

The fair featured an extensive programme of exhibitions, activities, and competitions, running both days with free admission.

• International competitions: The event included a national and international exhibition, as well as a breed-specific show for the Labrador Retriever, which scored points toward the Spanish Championship. Competitions were also held for the best Spanish Water Dog and the Golden Retriever.
• The power of grooming: Morphology and aesthetics were key, spotlighting the unconditional love owners have for their pets, according to Manuel Ramírez, president of the Sociedad Canina Costa del Sol. Poodles were seen at the grooming station, and groomers like Tania Andrade emphasised the vital role of brushing for long-haired breeds, not least the Afghan Hound.
• Top dog: ‘Keith’, an Irish Wolfhound, was awarded the Best of Breed Prize, a victory attributed in part to his official presenter, or handler, David Osorio.
• Beauty and agility: Other highlights included obedience and police-style obstacle course trials, agility workshops, a canine grooming seminar, and the Huella de Oro (Golden Pawprint) beauty trophy, featuring dogs from several countries.

Canine units showcase their skills

One of the most looked-forward-to moments was the demonstration by the Canine Guides Section of the National Police Corps of Malaga, which showcased their daily work along with their dogs to protect citizens.

Police dogs, including German Shepherds and Rottweilers, demonstrated their skills in protection and rescue. Álvaro Díaz, a local police officer in Torremolinos, expressed the historical importance of the Torremolinos Canine Unit, which is the oldest canine unit established within a local police force in Spain and was a key presence at the international exhibition. Spanish Water Dogs also showcased their excellence in rescue operations.

The objective of the weekend planned by a non-profit association was to connect the public with the best products and services for animal care and demonstrate the love for dogs there is in Torremolinos.