Waterloo Park Dog Show: Dates, details, and our partnership

Here at TopDog, there’s nothing we love more than seeing happy dogs and happy owners. That's why we’re always so excited to be a part of The Feed’s annual Waterloo Park Dog Show, a fantastic community event in Norwich, in its third year, that’s all about celebrating our four-legged friends while supporting a brilliant local cause.

Since the first Dog Show in 2023, we've been the proud headline sponsor of this wonderful day out, and it’s become a real highlight in our calendar. If you've not been before, let us tell you why you and your furry companion should come along and join in the fun!

What is the Waterloo Park Dog Show?

Set in Norwich’s beautiful Waterloo Park, The Feed’s Waterloo Park Dog Show is a day filled with wagging tails, friendly competition, and a whole lot of fun. It’s a chance for local dog owners to come together and show off their beloved pets in a series of light-hearted categories. With events like "Waggiest tail," "Most like its owner," "Golden oldie," and the hotly contested "Best biscuit catcher", this is not your typical pedigree show!

From the scruffiest terrier to the most pampered pooch, everyone can join in, with the winners in each of the eight categories receiving a rosette, certificate, and a TopDog harness, collar and lead set. Finally, one of the eight winners will become the overall champion, being crowned "Best in Show".

When is the Waterloo Park Dog Show held?

After three successful years, the Waterloo Park Dog Show is fast becoming an Early May Bank Holiday tradition. The 2025 edition was held on Monday 5th May, so expect a similar date when the next show is announced in early 2026!

What you need to know

The 2025 edition cost £3.50 per entry. Due to the show’s growing popularity, half of the registrations are allowed to be made in advance, with the other 50% reserved for on-the-day entrants.

After registration, the show begins at 11am with the following categories across the next two hours of fun and games;

• Waggiest tail

• Most like its owner

• Golden oldie (over 7 yrs)

• Precious pup (under 12 months)

• Furry friend (1yr – 6 yrs old)

• Best kept coat

• Best paw shake

• Best biscuit catcher

• Best In show

So that as many people as possible can enter, each dog is only allowed to take part in one category - so choose carefully!

More than just a dog show

What makes this event truly special is the reason it all happens. The Waterloo Park Dog Show is organised by, and in aid of, The Feed - a fantastic Norwich-based charity working to combat poverty, hunger, and homelessness in our community.

“The Feed runs several social enterprise cafes, including the Waterloo Park Pavilion Café, and provides training, support, and a helping hand to those who need it most.” Said John Skinner, TopDog co-owner, 

“By coming along to the dog show, you’re not just having a great day out and making new friends, you’re also helping to support the charity’s vital work.”

According to The Feed's 2023-2024 Impact Report, the 12 months ending 31st August 2023 saw the Norwich Foodbank feed 13,067 people - a 50% increase on the previous year. Thanks to a vast range of preventative support projects, The Feed is providing safe spaces to give people the support they need to eat and live well, in turn helping to reduce poverty levels, improve social mobility, and support the local community. 

The Feed’s preventative support projects include:

• Social Supermarket. Offering affordable groceries to ensure people can eat well despite their circumstances

• Community Cafe. A social space where members can connect and take part in workshops and activities.

• Community Kitchen. Providing a space for people without cooking facilities to learn how to cook healthy, affordable meals.

• Wellbeing support projects including First-Step, Bloom (for women) and Thrive (for personal development).

• Nourish. Ensuring people who are rough sleeping can have an evening meal, 5 days a week.

TopDog’s commitment to a great cause

We’ve been involved with the Waterloo Park Dog Show from the very beginning, and our support for The Feed is something we’re incredibly proud of. 

In addition to being the headline sponsors of the Waterloo Park Dog Show, our team is always on hand to help with the judging and cheer on the contestants.

Our connection with The Feed goes beyond the dog show. We also donate £1 from every sale of our popular "Dog Save the King" harness directly to the charity.

A look back at past shows

Over the years, we’ve seen so many wonderful moments at the dog show. From tiny puppies taking their first steps into the show ring to dignified golden oldies stealing the hearts of the judges, it’s a day that’s always full of smiles and laughter. Just ask the attendees:

“The atmosphere is always so positive and friendly, and it's a real joy to see so many people and their dogs having a fantastic time together.”

"Seeing the community come together like this, all while supporting The Feed, is incredible. It’s more than just a dog show; it’s Norwich at its best."

John Skinner, TopDog co-owner, says: "It isn't about winning a prize; it's about celebrating the unique bond owners have with their pet. That's what makes the dog show a real joy to be a part of each year."

Join us for the 2026 show!

Whether you’re thinking of entering your own precious pup or just want to come along and soak up the atmosphere, we can promise you a day of fun, laughter, and making new four-legged friends. We can’t wait to see you there next year!

Keep an eye on our Instagram and The Feed’s website for announcements about the 2026 event. We’ll be sharing all the details as soon as they’re confirmed.