Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Dog & Horse event opens its doors from November 6 to 8, 2026, at Messe Dortmund, offering a diverse program for dog and horse enthusiasts.
It combines Germany's largest dog exhibition with a horse fair, featuring numerous presentations, shows, and over 240 vendor stalls.
Dog & Horse takes place in Dortmund, Germany.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Dog & Horse runs from November 6 to 8, 2026, at Messe Dortmund, Germany.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event features Germany's largest dog exhibition alongside a horse fair, attracting thousands of visitors.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by VDH Service GmbH and Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH) e.V.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include dog and horse owners, breeders, and industry professionals.
- 5Entry: Tickets are available online; no on-site ticket sales will be offered.
Why visit
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including dog shows, horse demonstrations, and shopping opportunities. Dates and Venue: Dog & Horse runs from November 6 to 8, 2026, at Messe Dortmund, Germany. Scale and Focus: This event features Germany's largest dog exhibition alongside a horse fair, attracting thousands of visitors. Buyer Authority: Attendees include dog and horse owners, breeders, and industry professionals.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors gain visibility among a targeted audience, access to potential buyers, and opportunities to showcase their products and services in a vibrant environment. Buyer Authority: Attendees include dog and horse owners, breeders, and industry professionals. The Dog & Horse event is significant for the pet industry, providing a platform for networking, showcasing products, and engaging with a passionate audience of pet owners and professionals. Attending Dog & Horse on.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Dog owners looking for the latest products and services.
Horse enthusiasts interested in equestrian supplies and training.
Pet industry professionals seeking networking opportunities.
Families looking for fun activities and educational experiences.
Breeders and trainers showcasing their animals.
Veterinarians and pet care specialists exploring new innovations.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Pet product manufacturers and suppliers.
Equestrian gear and apparel vendors.
Dog training and grooming service providers.
Animal health and wellness companies.
Pet food brands and nutrition experts.
Pet accessory retailers.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Dog food and nutrition products.
Horse riding gear and accessories.
Pet grooming tools and supplies.
Training equipment for dogs and horses.
Pet health and wellness products.
Toys and entertainment for pets.
Location & Facilities
Venue
Messe Dortmund
Rheinlanddamm 200, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
Facilities
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Messe Dortmund in Dortmund typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Messe Dortmund for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
Tickets must be purchased online; no on-site sales will be available.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Dortmund, Germany
Why it matters
Attending Dog & Horse on 2026-11-06 to 2026-11-08 in Dortmund lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · EUR
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Dortmund Airport
The nearest airport to the venue, serving mainly short-haul European routes; taxi, bus and rail links reach the city and fairground.
TBA
to venue
Approx. 20 to 25 minutes to Messe Dortmund - confirm live journey times and transfer options
by car
Duesseldorf Airport
The largest international gateway for the region with long-haul connections and frequent onward rail services.
TBA
to venue
Approx. 50 to 60 minutes by car, or direct rail to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof - confirm live journey times
by car
Cologne/Bonn Airport
A further alternative gateway, best combined with rail through Cologne to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof.
TBA
to venue
Approx. 75 to 90 minutes by road or rail via Cologne - confirm live journey times
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Budget
Dortmund Airport (DTM) and eastern suburbsUSD 65–95 / night
Good value, but allow extra transit time to the venue. Confirm before travel.
Mid-range
Dortmund city centre around HauptbahnhofUSD 120–170 / night
Largest cluster of hotels with direct U45/U46 access to the fairground. Confirm before travel.
Premium
Westfalenhallen / Messe Dortmund districtUSD 190–280 / night
Short walk to the halls; limited supply on fair weekends. Confirm before travel.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Stadtbahn (U-Bahn)
Estimated costEUR 3.20–3.60
Best forDortmund Hauptbahnhof to Westfalenhallen / Messe Dortmund (U45/U46)
Regional and S-Bahn rail
Estimated costEUR 20–35
Best forDuesseldorf or Cologne to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof
Bus
Estimated costEUR 3.20–3.60
Best forDSW21 city bus to Westfalenhallen area
Taxi
Estimated costEUR 15–25
Best forDortmund city centre to Messe Dortmund
Taxi
Estimated costEUR 30–45
Best forDortmund Airport (DTM) to Messe Dortmund
Approx. 20 to 25 minutes to Messe Dortmund - confirm live journey times and transfer options; The nearest airport to the venue, serving mainly short-haul European routes; taxi, bus and rail links reach the city and fairground.
Taxi
Estimated costEUR 100–140
Best forDuesseldorf Airport (DUS) to Messe Dortmund
Approx. 50 to 60 minutes by car, or direct rail to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof - confirm live journey times; The largest international gateway for the region with long-haul connections and frequent onward rail services.
taxi
Estimated costEUR 35–85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forCologne/Bonn Airport (CGN) to Messe Dortmund
Approx. 75 to 90 minutes by road or rail via Cologne - confirm live journey times; A further alternative gateway, best combined with rail through Cologne to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof.
Weather
Early November in Dortmund is cool, grey and changeable. Daytime highs typically sit around 8 to 11 degrees C, with overnight lows around 2 to 5 degrees C and the first frost possible later in the month. Overcast skies and rain are common, and sunset falls before 17:00, so plan return travel in daylight where you can. These are climatological norms rather than a forecast - check a live Dortmund forecast in the final week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Germany.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Sunday closure
8 November 2026 is a Sunday, when shops and supermarkets across Dortmund and North Rhine-Westphalia are generally closed. Plan shopping, food and pharmacy stops for the Friday or Saturday of the fair.
Punctuality and queuing
German fairs and public transport run to the clock. Arrive at your chosen hall a little before demonstrations start and queue in order at ticket scanning and Stadtbahn platforms.
Cash and cards
Cards are widely accepted in Germany, but some smaller stands, kiosks and taxis still prefer cash or take only the local Girocard network. Carrying a small amount of euro cash is useful.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory. For table service it is normal to round up or add around five to ten percent, and to state the final amount when you pay.
Dogs on public transport
Dogs are commonly carried on German buses, trams and trains, often with a reduced-fare ticket and, in some cases, a muzzle requirement. Conditions vary by operator, so check DSW21 and VRR rules if you plan to bring a dog to the fair.
Bags and deposits
Germany uses a deposit (Pfand) system on many bottles and cans. If you buy drinks around the fair, return the container to a reverse-vending machine or a deposit point to reclaim it. A reusable bag helps at the many product stands.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: DTM
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Dortmund; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Hotels
Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Areas to stay
Dortmund Airport (DTM) and eastern suburbs · Dortmund city centre around Hauptbahnhof · Westfalenhallen / Messe Dortmund district
budget
EUR 65-95/night
mid range
EUR 120-170/night
premium
EUR 190-280/night
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Dortmund Airport (DTM): Approx. 20 to 25 minutes to Messe Dortmund - confirm live journey times and transfer options; Duesseldorf Airport (DUS): Approx. 50 to 60 minutes by car, or direct rail to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof - confirm live journey times; Cologne/Bonn Airport (CGN): Approx. 75 to 90 minutes by road or rail via Cologne - confirm live journey times. Allow road or rail time to Messe Dortmund; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Messe Dortmund: Dortmund Airport (DTM) and eastern suburbs: Dortmund Airport (DTM) and eastern suburbs; Dortmund city centre around Hauptbahnhof: Dortmund city centre around Hauptbahnhof; Westfalenhallen / Messe Dortmund district: Westfalenhallen / Messe Dortmund district.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Dortmund; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: DSW21 Stadtbahn lines U45 and U46 run directly to the Westfalenhallen / Messe Dortmund stop, roughly 10 to 15 minutes from Dortmund Hauptbahnhof. Regional and S-Bahn services feed into the Hauptbahnhof, where you change to the Stadtbahn for the venue. A single journey within Dortmund sits in VRR fare zone A (approx. EUR 3.30, confirm live fares); buy and validate your ticket before boarding. For return trips, check the last connections of the evening, and note that most Dortmund shops close on Sunday 8 November.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Messe Dortmund; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: November in Dortmund is cool and changeable: daytime highs typically around 8 to 11 degrees C and overnight lows around 2 to 5 degrees C, with a chance of the first frost later in the month. Dress in layers with a warm, water-resistant outer layer for the walk between parking, transit and the halls. These are climatological norms - check a live forecast close to travel.
Seasonality: November is one of the wettest and greyest months in the Ruhr region, with frequent drizzle, overcast skies and short daylight, with sunset before 17:00. Rain is likely on at least one show day, so bring a waterproof coat and comfortable waterproof footwear, and allow a little extra time for outdoor queues and the walk from parking or the Stadtbahn stop to the entrance.
Packing: November 2026
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day for qualified buyer meetings: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Dog & Horse usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Networking spots
2Dog & Horse registration concourse
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights€130.00
- Per diem × 2€150.00
Estimated total€280.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Dog & Horse fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published — confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3–6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources — confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Min. budget
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- VDH (Verband fuer das Deutsche Hundewesen)
- Germany's national kennel club. It keeps breed registers, sets pedigree and breeding rules, and its member breed clubs typically present breed stands and advice at Dog & Horse.
- FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale)
- International umbrella body of national kennel clubs. It recognises pedigree breeds and breed standards, which is why many pedigree dogs shown at the fair are registered through FCI-linked systems.
- Rassehundeverein (breed club)
- A club dedicated to one dog breed or breed group. These clubs run breed information desks, breeding advice and often breed parades at the fair.
- Hundeschule (dog training school)
- A commercial or club training school offering puppy classes, obedience and everyday manners. Trainers of this type exhibit training methods and equipment at the show.
- Agility
- A timed dog sport over jumps, tunnels and contact obstacles. Live demonstrations are a common crowd attraction in the dog halls of a dog and horse fair.
- IGP (formerly VPG / Schutzhund)
- A working-dog sport and test covering tracking, obedience and protection work. Working-breed clubs use the fair to explain the sport and its training path.
- Hufschmied (farrier)
- A hoof-care and shoeing specialist for horses. Farriers and hoof-care suppliers sit alongside saddlery and stable equipment in the horse side of the show.
- Sattlerei (saddler)
- A craft workshop that makes and fits saddles, bridles and harness. Saddlers and leather-goods makers use the fair to present custom fitting and leather care.
- Bodenarbeit / Longieren (groundwork / lunging)
- Ground-based horse handling and training methods worked from the ground rather than the saddle. Horse trainers commonly demonstrate these techniques in the riding arena area.
- FN (Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung)
- The German Equestrian Federation, the governing body for riding, breeding and equestrian sport in Germany. Its rules shape many of the riding and breeding activities shown at the fair.
- BARF (raw feeding)
- A raw, biologically appropriate feeding approach for dogs and cats. Raw-food and nutrition suppliers are a recurring product category at German pet fairs.
- Tierheilpraktiker
- An alternative animal-health practitioner (for example herbal or manual therapy). Such practitioners and animal-health stands typically sit alongside veterinary exhibitors.
- Hundepension / Hundetagesstaette
- Dog boarding kennels and dog daycare services. These providers exhibit to reach local owners and to explain care, insurance and hygiene standards.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Dog & Horse
- Dog and Horse Dortmund
- Dog & Horse 2026
- Dog & Horse Dortmund 2026
- Hund und Pferd Dortmund
- Hund und Pferd Messe Dortmund
- horse fair Dortmund 2026
- dog and horse expo Germany
- dog food and nutrition expo Dortmund
- horse riding gear fair Dortmund
7 more alternate names hidden
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Sources
3
References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
1
Dog & Horse
- event_website
- event_social
- event_social
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