From Thai royal cats to Greenland sled dogs: Latvian Winner 2026 at Ķīpsala will have them all

International dog and cat trade show Latvian Winner 2026 will take place at the Ķīpsala International Expo Centre on 13-14 June. In addition to well-known breeds, visitors will have an opportunity to appreciate several rare and unique species of four-legged friends from various parts of the world. Come and see the legendary werewolf cat, Turkey’s national dog and one of the oldest sled dog breeds in the world.
 
Cats with royal pedigree and werewolf look
Cat section of the trade show will present the beautiful Khao Manee, arare breed of cats from Thailand. For centuries, these cats have been considered a symbol of luck and mostly resided only in royal households. These snow-white cats are famous for their unusually blue eyes that often have different shade. They are known in Thailand as the cat with diamond eyes. For years, Khao Manee was an exclusive breed, almost unknown outside Thailand.
Whereas Lykoi or “werewolf cat” has truly unorthodox appearance. Breed is a result of natural mutation and its unique fur has a striking resemblance with a werewolf. Notably, Lykoi can lose a significant amount of its fur due to seasons, which it regrows later – the same cat may look significantly different throughout the year depending on the season.
 
Turkish national pride and South American wildlife heritage
Cat show ring spectators will have an opportunity to see Kangal Shepherd Dog, the national dog of Turkey and a breed which has guarded herds against wolves and bears for centuries. These dogs are widely loved not only in their homeland – to the degree where their exports were closely controlled for decades. Kangal Shepherd Dog is considered one of the most efficient working dogs in the world.
Uruguayan Mastiff or Cimarrón Uruguayo is as equally interesting. It is the only breed that has originated in Uruguay. Its ancestors used to roam the wide plains of the South America, and only later humans began to recognise the incredible stamina, courage and loyalty these dogs are now known for. Nowadays, this breed has become the national symbol of Uruguay.
 
From Dutch pastures to Bosnian mountains
Trade show will also be graced with the presence of Schapendoes, a happy-go-lucky and extra lively breed of shepherd dog from the Netherlands. Although the breed went almost extinct following the World War II, its growers managed to restore its population. Schapendoes are known for their agility and ability to surf on the backs of the herd to get sheep under tighter control.
Meanwhile, Bosnian Broken-haired Hound or the Barak is theonly internationally-certified dog breed coming out of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its rough hair protects it against thorns, rain and cold, whereas its resounding bark allows hunters to track the dog more easily from greater distances, especially in the mountains.
 
Arctic strength and endurance
Visitors of Ķīpsala will also be able to learn more about the Greenland Dog, one of the oldest working dog breeds in the world, the origins of which date back several thousands of years into the history. These dogs have helped explorers reach some of the coldest locations on the globe and have accompanied numerous famous polar expeditions. To this day, Greenland Dog is considered to be one of the sturdiest sled dog breeds in the world – capable of withstanding event the most extreme Arctic conditions.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to see the total of 24 cat species, with fur in various shades, and more than 270 dogs of numerous breeds. There will be a diverse range of most unique pets from around the world.
 
Exciting events for the whole family
Over the course of two days, during the Latvian Winner 2026 international cat and dog show, visitors will have a choice of dog and cat show ring competitions, as well as exciting dog skill demonstrations, shows and even circus performances. In addition to exhibitors, visitors will also be able to access free specialist advice on how to feed, take care of and tend to health of their pets. As for the exhibitors, they will offer a wide range of pet and animal products: nutritious food, veterinary products, treats, toys, clothes, leashes and other accessories that make pets happy.
 
Latvian Winner 2026 is organised by Canine Federation of Latvia (LCF) and Latvian Association of Felinology Association Felimurs, with technical support of BT1 International Expo Company.
Tickets: ej.uz/latwinner_ticket
Children under 7: free
Adults: € 6.00
School children aged 8-18: €3.00
Students, seniors, disabled: €5.00
Family ticket (2 adults + 1 child under 18): €13.00
+ €2.00 for each additional child on the family ticket
Parking: €5.00
 
Venue and time:
Ķīpsala International Expo Centre
13 June: 10:00–18:00
14 June: 10:00–17:00
 
Additional information: bt1.lv/latwinner
Trade show news and updates:
facebook.com/petexpo.lv
instagram.com/petexpo.latvia