01/07/2026
🐾✨ **World Dog Show Week – Bologna 2026** ✨🐾
When I entered **Rich Forest Atreyu's Victory** *(Bigsmithy Hope × Elliott Little Carpathians)* for the three shows in Bologna, I honestly had no expectations regarding the results. Being the youngest junior male at every show, our goal was simply to gain experience, enjoy the atmosphere, and learn from the very best.
After an intense week that had already started in Rogla, Slovenia, the journey continued with hundreds of kilometres on the road, an unforgettable hailstorm just before Bologna, very early mornings, long walks between the parking areas and the show halls, and the familiar challenge of navigating around countless little "obstacles" left by our four-legged friends. Anyone who has attended a World Dog Show will probably smile knowingly. 😄
But Atreyu had other plans...
🏆 **Club Show 2026**
🥉 3rd Place, Excellent (of 7 Junior Males)
Judge: **Vincenzo Todaro (Italy)**
🏆 **ENCI Winner – ACL 2026**
Excellent (of 10 Junior Males)
Judge: **Nicola Todaro (Italy)**
🏆 **World Dog Show 2026**
Excellent (of 14 Junior Males)
Judge: **Bianca Teixeira (Brazil)**
What makes me happiest is not only the results, but the way he presented himself throughout the entire week. He showed with confidence, behaved beautifully, and reminded me that sometimes the youngest competitors can surprise everyone—including their owners. ❤️
Beyond the rings, this week was about much more than competition. It was about meeting passionate dog people from all over the world, making new friends, learning from experienced breeders and exhibitors, and creating memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.
We even managed to enjoy a little Italian adventure outside the showgrounds. While I happily went for a swim in the Adriatic Sea, Atreyu made it perfectly clear that water is not part of his show preparation. 😄
A heartfelt thank you to all the judges for appreciating our boy, to the organisers for an outstanding event, to everyone who stopped to chat or offered kind words throughout the week, and especially to everyone cheering for us from home.
Most of all, thank you, Atreyu. This is only the beginning of your journey, and I'm incredibly proud to walk it with you. ❤️🐶
