Goodwoof

For the love of dog!

01st November 2019

On 24 and 25 May 2020, the Duchess' Paddock at The Kennels will be taken over by dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds, with the launch of Goodwoof; a new event celebrating everything we love about our four-legged friends. The event, which is presented by MARS Petcare is not just a dog show; it is what your dog has always dreamed of – a canine extravaganza in the rolling fields of one of Britain’s most beautiful country estates.

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Devised by real dog lovers, and delivered with the charm, wit and style for which Goodwood’s other world-leading events are renowned, Goodwoof will feature a fantastic line-up of activities to entertain dogs and their human companions. From competitions and demonstrations to play and pampering, from trails and treats to wellness and nutrition, it will be a feast of family friendly fun, equally suited to those with a dog and those without.

Dogs have always been at the heart of life at Goodwood. The 3rd Duke commissioned the architect James Wyatt to create what we now know as The Kennels – a technically advanced building described as “the most luxurious dog house in the world”, which featured central heating long before Goodwood House was so-equipped. The 3rd Duke clearly placed the comfort of his hounds well above that of his guests! Over the years, dogs have always been treated as beloved members of the family, with many of the portraits in Goodwood House featuring their subject’s favourite companion.

That dog-first mindset will be evident at Goodwoof, with a wealth of canine content to celebrate the many ways in which dogs enhance all our lives. There will be competitive disciplines and world class demonstrations to watch, and opportunities for owners and their dogs to have a go themselves. The skills and requirements of working and rescue dogs will be on show, alongside a full centre dedicated to canine and human health and performance, a dog friendly open air cinema, and a bespoke selection of high-end retailers, all accompanied by a range of delicious food and drink to keep everyone in the pack (on four legs and two!) well fed and watered.

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Design and style will also feature strongly in the content. In the spirit of Wyatt's building, Goodwoof will present an inspirational collection of 21st century kennels, designed by the great and the good of modern architecture. The display of dog architecture – ‘barkitecture’ – will be contemporary, innovative, ambitious and entertaining, and be the subject of a grand charity auction after the event, at which guests can bid to own a barkitectural masterpiece, in aid of the charity Canine Partners.

With 2020 being the 75th anniversary of VE Day, it is only fitting that Goodwoof also remembers the astounding and largely unsung role that dogs played in World War II. A moving and engaging tribute to the brave four-legged soldiers who were very much at the heart of the British Army.

The Duke of Richmond and Gordon commented: “Many people I know share the 3rd Duke’s philosophy; they would far rather spend time and money on their dogs than they would on their human guests!

“To this day, Goodwood is an entirely dog-friendly estate – dogs can stay at the Hotel, accompany their owners in the restaurants, and even join our Members’ clubhouse, The Kennels. We thought that it was only fitting to dedicate an entire event to them, just as we do with cars and horses at our other flagship meetings.”