Why We Created Edition Dog Live

Edition Dog Live was never designed to be just another dog event. From the very beginning, the vision was different.

When Edition Dog Magazine launched in 2018, the focus was clear: create a platform centred around dog health, wellbeing, behaviour, nutrition and education in a way that felt accessible, engaging and enjoyable for everyday dog owners. Built as part of a family business, Edition Dog grew from a genuine passion for dogs and the belief that owners deserved thoughtful, trustworthy and engaging information that placed canine welfare first. Over time, one thing became obvious, people did not just want to read about these topics. They wanted to experience them. They wanted to meet the experts, ask questions, try activities, discover new ideas and spend time with people who shared the same passion for dogs.

Edition Dog Live evolved naturally from that idea.

At first glance, the event might look playful and light-hearted. There are dogs everywhere, shopping, activities, live demonstrations and plenty of opportunities for fun. There are photo walls, interactive zones and now even The Sniff Inn — our very own dog pub, which joins the event for 2026. But underneath all of that sits something much more important: education and wellbeing.

Everything at Edition Dog Live is designed with the dog at the centre of it.

The activities are not there simply to entertain. Enrichment experiences encourage owners to think about engagement and stimulation. The Dog Classroom and expert talks help owners better understand behaviour and training. Wellness discussions explore canine health in ways that are practical and approachable. Even features designed to feel fun and relaxed often have a deeper purpose behind them.

The Sniff Inn is a perfect example. On the surface, it is a playful social space where dogs and owners can stop for refreshments and soak up the atmosphere. But it also quietly encourages something important — rest, regulation and hydration, topics that are often overlooked at busy events.

That balance between education and enjoyment has become part of the identity of Edition Dog Live. It is a place where owners can learn without feeling lectured, where experts are approachable, and where wellbeing conversations happen naturally alongside entertainment and experiences.

Every year, the event continues to evolve. We keep the favourites visitors return for, while introducing new ideas and features to keep the experience fresh and engaging. Some additions are educational, some are interactive, and some are simply there to bring people together and create memorable moments with their dogs.

Another hugely important part of Edition Dog Live is the Breed Village. Alongside promoting dog health and wellbeing, our founder Jennifer Dow is passionate about supporting and raising awareness of the UK’s rare and vulnerable native breeds. While many dog events naturally focus on the most recognisable breeds, the Breed Village was created to celebrate the breeds people may never have met before.

For many visitors, it becomes one of the most fascinating parts of the weekend. It offers the chance to meet dedicated breed enthusiasts, learn about breed history, understand the challenges facing vulnerable populations and discover dogs they may never otherwise encounter. In many ways, it reflects what Edition Dog Live is all about: encouraging curiosity, learning and deeper conversations about dogs and their future.

As Edition Dog Live enters its fifth year, the event continues to grow, but the original purpose remains exactly the same. Create a space that feels welcoming, enjoyable and exciting, while quietly placing education, welfare and responsible ownership at the centre of everything.

Because behind the arenas, activities, shopping and fun, Edition Dog Live has always been about something bigger — helping people understand dogs better.