On June 13 and 14, the international dog and cat exhibition "Latvian Winner 2026" will take place in Kipsala, where, alongside popular breeds, visitors will also be able to meet several rare and unusual four-legged representatives from different countries around the world. Among them will be the legendary "werewolf cat," the Turkish national dog breed, and one of the oldest sled dog breeds in the world.
Cats with Royal Heritage and Werewolf Appearance
At the cat exhibition, special attention will be drawn to the Kao Manee breed — a rare breed from Thailand, which has been considered a symbol of luck for centuries and was found exclusively at royal courts. These snow-white cats are famous for their unusual eyes, which are often of different colors. In Thailand, they are called "cats with diamond eyes." For a long time, Kao Manee were so exclusive that only a few knew of their existence outside Thailand.
On the other hand, the Lykoi, or "werewolf cat," surprises with its unusual appearance. The breed emerged as a result of a natural mutation, and its characteristic fur creates a striking resemblance to the image of a werewolf. Interestingly, Lykoi can seasonally lose a significant amount of fur, which then grows back, so the appearance of the same cat can vary greatly throughout the year.
National Pride of Turkey and Wildlife Heritage of South America
At the dog exhibitions, visitors will be able to see the Kangal shepherd dog — a Turkish national breed that has protected herds from wolves and even bears for centuries. These dogs are so highly valued in their homeland that their export from the country was strictly controlled for a long time. The Kangal shepherd dog is considered one of the most effective "guardians" of herds in the world.
Equally interesting is the Uruguayan Mastiff, or Cimarrón Uruguayo — the only dog breed that originated in Uruguay. Its ancestors once lived in the wilds of South America, and only later did people appreciate the endurance, courage, and loyalty of these animals. Today, this breed is one of the national symbols of Uruguay.
From the Pastures of the Netherlands to the Mountains of Bosnia
The exhibition will also feature the Schapendoes — a cheerful and energetic shepherd dog from the Netherlands. Although the breed nearly disappeared after World War II, breeders managed to revive it. Schapendoes are known for their agility and ability to move across the backs of sheep to better control the herd.
Meanwhile, the Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound or Bosnian Barak is the only internationally recognized breed from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its coarse coat protects against thorns, rain, and cold, while its loud bark allows hunters to track the dog's movements even from a great distance in mountainous terrain.
Arctic Strength and Endurance
At Kipsala, visitors will also meet the Greenland Dog — one of the oldest working dog breeds in the world, with a history dating back over a thousand years. These dogs helped explorers reach the coldest regions of the world and participated in several famous polar expeditions. The Greenland Dog is still considered one of the most enduring sled dogs in the world, capable of working in the extreme conditions of the Arctic.
Overall, visitors will be able to see 24 breeds of cats in a variety of colors and representatives of more than 270 breeds of dogs, discovering the amazing diversity of the pet world.
Exciting Program for the Whole Family
Over two days at the international dog and cat exhibition "Latvian Winner 2026," visitors will not only be able to observe the judging of dogs and cats in the rings but also watch exciting dog demonstrations, shows, and even circus performances. Alongside the exhibition events, those interested can receive free consultations from specialists on pet feeding, care, and health. Meanwhile, the exhibition area will feature a wide range of pet products — high-quality food, veterinary products, treats, toys, clothing, leashes, and other accessories for the well-being of pets.
The organizers of "Latvian Winner" are the Latvian Cynological Federation and the Latvian Felinological Association Felimurs, with the event being organized by the international exhibition organizer BT 1.
Time and Venue:
International Exhibition Center in Kipsala
June 13, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
June 14, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
More Information: bt1.lv/latwinner
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