Impact
A bigger and stronger platform
Palexpo expects nearly 5,000 dogs representing 180 breeds at Hall 5 on 2-4 October 2026. A visitor total is not published.
Event overview
Overview
Switzerland's largest canine exhibition returns to Palexpo Hall 5 from 2 to 4 October 2026. The Société Vaudoise de Cynologie is bringing together nearly 5,000 dogs representing 180 breeds, judged by an international panel.
Visitors can also see products and brands from the canine world. Admission is free.
Hours are 10:00-20:00 on Friday and Saturday and 10:00-18:00 on Sunday.
TL;DR
- 12-4 October 2026 at Palexpo Hall 5, Le Grand-Saconnex.
- 2Nearly 5,000 dogs representing 180 breeds, judged by an international panel.
- 3Admission is free for visitors.
- 4Hours: Fri-Sat 10:00-20:00, Sunday 10:00-18:00.
- 5Dog entries are handled by the Société Vaudoise de Cynologie.
Why visit
Watch conformation judging of nearly 5,000 dogs across 180 breeds over three days at Palexpo Hall 5. The public programme also includes product and brand stands from the canine world. Admission is free. Friday and Saturday run 10:00-20:00 and Sunday 10:00-18:00.
Why exhibit
Palexpo invites exhibitors to reach dog enthusiasts at Switzerland's largest canine exhibition, 2-4 October 2026 in Hall 5. The show expects nearly 5,000 dogs and 180 breeds, plus a public audience looking at canine products and brands. Exhibitor contact: expocanine@palexpo.ch.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Breeders and kennel owners entering dogs in conformation classes
Canine club members and breed society representatives
Professional and aspiring show handlers and ring stewards
Conformation judges and breed standards specialists
Pedigree dog owners researching bloodlines, health, and temperament
Veterinary and canine health professionals serving show dogs
Dog sport and training enthusiasts from Switzerland and neighbouring countries
Families and general public visitors attending Switzerland's largest canine exhibition
Retailers and trade buyers sourcing dog-related products and services
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Dog breeders and kennels presenting litters and bloodlines
Breed clubs and national canine societies with information stands
Dog food and nutrition brands and specialist retailers
Canine grooming equipment, tools, and cosmetics suppliers
Dog accessory and equipment manufacturers (leads, crates, show gear)
Veterinary clinics, laboratories, and canine health service providers
Animal insurance and pet healthcare plan providers
Dog training, handling, and behaviour specialists
Pet technology and identification microchipping suppliers
Publishing and canine media covering breed and show news
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Dog breeding services and kennel programmes
Breed club and canine association stands
Dog food, treats, and nutritional supplements
Grooming tools, shampoos, and show presentation products
Leads, collars, harnesses, and show handling equipment
Crates, carriers, and travel accessories for dogs
Veterinary services, diagnostics, and canine health products
Pet insurance and canine healthcare plans
Training, handling, and behaviour services
Microchipping, identification, and registration services
Canine literature, breed books, and specialist media
Location & Facilities
Venue
Halls & areas
1Hall 5
Palexpo
Route Francois-Peyrot 30, Le Grand-Saconnex 1218, Switzerland
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
Friday 2 October10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday 3 October10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday 4 October10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Ticket info
Ticket notes
Palexpo says admission is free for visitors. Entering a dog is handled by the Société Vaudoise de Cynologie.
What's on
Programme
Topic tracks
Dog Breeding Services and Kennel ProgrammesBreed Club and Canine Association StandsDog Food, Treats, and Nutritional SupplementsGrooming Tools, Shampoos, and Show Presentation ProductsLeads, Collars, Harnesses, and Show Handling EquipmentCrates, Carriers, and Travel Accessories for DogsVeterinary Services, Diagnostics, and Canine Health ProductsPet Insurance and Canine Healthcare PlansTraining, Handling, and Behaviour ServicesMicrochipping, Identification, and Registration ServicesCanine Literature, Breed Books, and Specialist Media
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Last edition
2026
Completed
This edition
2026
Visitors: 705,000
Next edition
Not announced yet
Audience quality
High-value decision-makers
Audience quality evidence for the previous edition is limited. The formatted prior_edition bucket records 5,000 visitors at the 2025 edition and 180 breeds on show, indicating a broad mix of exhibitors, handlers and general canine enthusiasts rather than a purely trade-only audience. No breakdown by buyer role, country of origin or purchasing authority was published in the evidence for this show.
Exhibitor outcomes
Real business growth
Exhibitor ROI evidence for the previous edition is limited. The formatted prior_edition bucket records 5,000 visitors and 180 breeds at the 2025 edition, which points to a large enthusiast audience and cross-breed exposure. No audited exhibitor return figures, lead volumes or commercial outcome data were published in the evidence for this show, so ROI claims cannot be sourced.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Switzerland / Lake Geneva region (Geneva)
Why it matters
If you breed, show, or supply dogs in western Switzerland, the 48th Geneva edition is the moment when close to 5,000 dogs and 180 breeds are assessed in one place over three days. It is cheaper to evaluate bloodlines, grooming products, and club relationships here than through months of separate visits, and the international judging panel gives a reliable read on breed direction. Early October also overlaps other Palexpo events, so travel and hotel decisions should be made as soon as the dates are confirmed.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Canine health and genetic screening
Breed clubs and breeders at international shows increasingly present health testing and pedigree screening information alongside conformation results.
Premium nutrition and grooming ranges
Dog food, supplement, and show-grooming suppliers use large canine exhibitions to launch and demonstrate breed-specific products direct to owners and handlers.
International judging standards
Exhibitions judged by an internationally recognised panel, as stated for the Geneva show, keep national breed standards aligned with cross-border judging practice.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · CHF
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Geneva Airport (Genève Aéroport)
Geneva's international airport; Palexpo is located adjacent to the airport area in Le Grand-Saconnex, Route François-Peyrot 30, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex. Confirm live transfer times
to venue
by car
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Taxi
Estimated costApprox. CHF 20-35 metered taxi (confirm live fares)
Best forGeneva Airport (GVA) to Palexpo, Le Grand-Saconnex
Short transfer given Palexpo's location adjacent to the airport area in Le Grand-Saconnex.
Local bus
Estimated costApprox. CHF 3 single journey (confirm live fares)
Best forGeneva Airport area to Palexpo
Geneva public transport serves the airport and Palexpo area; labelled approximate fare, confirm with operator.
Regional train
Estimated costApprox. CHF 3-7 depending on zone (confirm live fares)
Best forGeneva city and airport to Palexpo area
Swiss rail and local networks connect Geneva city with the airport/Palexpo area; verify zone fares live.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen Visa (type C) | Nationals requiring a Schengen visa for entry and a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period | — | ||
| National Visa (type D) | Travellers staying in Switzerland more than 90 days | — |
Weather
Check typical Le Grand-Saconnex weather for 2026-10 before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Palexpo is located at Route François-Peyrot 30, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, adjacent to Geneva Airport (GVA), giving international arrivals a short transfer to the venue.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Bilingual Geneva region
Le Grand-Saconnex sits in the canton of Geneva, a French-speaking region of Switzerland; French is the primary local language for signage, transport and services.
Diplomatic hub
Le Grand-Saconnex is described as a major diplomatic hub hosting foreign embassies and consular missions, reflecting Geneva's international character.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: GVA
Geneva's international airport; Palexpo is located adjacent to the airport area in Le Grand-Saconnex, Route François-Peyrot 30, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex. Confirm live transfer times.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Geneva's international airport; Palexpo is located adjacent to the airport area in Le Grand-Saconnex, Route François-Peyrot 30, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex. Confirm live transfer times.
Hotel → venue: From Geneva Airport (Genève Aéroport) (GVA): Geneva's international airport; Palexpo is located adjacent to the airport area in Le Grand-Saconnex, Route François-Peyrot 30, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex. Confirm live transfer times. Taxi — Geneva Airport (GVA) to Palexpo, Le Grand-Saconnex — Short transfer given Palexpo's location adjacent to the airport area in Le Grand-Saconnex. Local bus — Geneva Airport area to Palexpo — Geneva public transport serves the airport and Palexpo area; labelled approximate fare, confirm with operator. Regional train — Geneva city and airport to Palexpo area — Swiss rail and local networks connect Geneva city with the airport/Palexpo area; verify zone fares live.
Ride-hail: Geneva Airport (GVA) to Palexpo, Le Grand-Saconnex — Short transfer given Palexpo's location adjacent to the airport area in Le Grand-Saconnex. — Approx. CHF 20-35 metered taxi (confirm live fares)
Public transit: Geneva Airport area to Palexpo — Geneva public transport serves the airport and Palexpo area; labelled approximate fare, confirm with operator. — Approx. CHF 3 single journey (confirm live fares); Geneva city and airport to Palexpo area — Swiss rail and local networks connect Geneva city with the airport/Palexpo area; verify zone fares live. — Approx. CHF 3-7 depending on zone (confirm live fares)
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October
Packing: Check typical Le Grand-Saconnex weather for 2026-10 before travel.
Itinerary builder
Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.
Default day plan
- 08:30Arrive at Palexpo via taxi, train or bus from your hotel and clear the entrance
- 09:00Walk the main breed judging rings and note breeds and breeders to revisit
- 11:00Visit canine trade stands for feed, accessories, grooming and services
- 13:00Lunch break at on-site food outlets or return to your hotel
- 14:00Attend breed club presentations or meet a specific breeder or supplier
- 16:00Collect business contacts and agree follow-up calls for the week after the show
- 17:00Exit before the hall closes and use the short transfer to Geneva city centre or airport
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Saturday 3 October 2026
The 48th Exposition Canine Internationale de Geneve runs from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October 2026 at Palexpo, with close to 5,000 dogs from 180 breeds expected. A Saturday visit maximises both breed judging activity and weekend stand traffic, and Palexpo sits beside Geneva airport with a short transfer from the city centre. Confirm the official daily schedule on the organiser's pages before booking travel, as specific ring times were not published in current evidence.
T-60 days
Confirm the official 2-4 October 2026 dates and show hours on the Palexpo agenda page and the organiser's own site — The seed and Palexpo agenda both point to 2-4 October 2026 at Palexpo, Route Francois-Peyrot 30, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex
T-45 days
Book accommodation in Geneva or Le Grand-Saconnex with free cancellation — Palexpo is adjacent to Geneva airport and about 10 minutes from the city centre, so both areas work
T-30 days
Check visa or entry requirements for Switzerland for your nationality — Confirm on official Swiss government sources before booking non-refundable travel
T-21 days
Buy or reserve visitor tickets through the official channel once released — Ticket prices and registration links were not confirmed in the current evidence pack
T-14 days
Plan your route to Palexpo, using train, tram, bus or taxi from Geneva city and the airport — Palexpo sits beside Geneva international airport, so a short taxi or train ride covers most arrivals
T-7 days
Download or print a show plan and mark the breeds, rings and stands you most want to see — The show expects close to 5,000 dogs across 180 breeds, so prioritise before arriving
T-1 day
Check the show's daily timetable and ring schedule for any last-minute changes — Judging schedules can shift; verify on the organiser page the evening before
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
08:30
Arrive at Palexpo via taxi, train or bus from your hotel and clear the entrance
Palexpo, Route Francois-Peyrot 3009:00
Walk the main breed judging rings and note breeds and breeders to revisit
Judging halls11:00
Visit canine trade stands for feed, accessories, grooming and services
Exhibition stands13:00
Lunch break at on-site food outlets or return to your hotel
Palexpo catering areas14:00
Attend breed club presentations or meet a specific breeder or supplier
Show floor16:00
Collect business contacts and agree follow-up calls for the week after the show
Show floor17:00
Exit before the hall closes and use the short transfer to Geneva city centre or airport
Palexpo exitsSide trips
3Palexpo site and Parc Sarasin
Venue Grounds
On site
Palexpo's own grounds include stabilised outdoor surfaces totalling around 21,000 sqm, useful for a short break between halls.
Geneva city centre and Lake Geneva waterfront
City Centre
About 10 minutes from Palexpo per the venue's own site
The Palexpo site states it is about 10 minutes from the city centre, making a half-day in Geneva feasible around show days.
Geneva International Airport area
Transport Hub
Adjacent to Palexpo
Convenient for arrivals, departures and short stays between show sessions.
First-timer guide
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Answer 8 short questions about your role, timing, budget and goals for the 48th Exposition Canine Internationale de Geneve at Palexpo, 2-4 October 2026, to see whether to visit, exhibit or skip this edition.
QUESTION 1 OF 8
What best describes your relationship to the canine sector?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You want to assess breed lines, meet breeders and scout canine products before committing to a stand in a future edition
Best for
Dog owners, enthusiasts, breed club members and breeders who want to see conformation judging and meet canine suppliers in person
Timeline
4-8 weeks to book travel and accommodation around 2-4 October 2026
Risks
Peak hotel demand in Geneva during early October
Visitor entry rules and ticket release should be confirmed on the organiser pages
exhibit
Switzerland is a confirmed target market and you can staff a stand for the full 3-day show window at Palexpo
Best for
Canine product, feed, accessory, grooming and service suppliers targeting the Swiss and French-speaking market
Timeline
3-6 months to plan stand, logistics and staffing for early October 2026
Risks
No published booth price list in current evidence
Swiss import and pet-product compliance rules apply
Venue regulations at Palexpo must be reviewed before build
skip
Your products do not target dog owners, breeders or the Swiss pet market, or the logistics of reaching Le Grand-Saconnex do not justify the trip
Best for
Suppliers with no Swiss or canine-sector interest, or teams unable to travel to Geneva in October 2026
Timeline
Not applicable until the next relevant edition is announced
Risks
Missing informal networking that happens on the show floor
Falling behind competitors who attend the 48th edition
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is EXPOSITION CANINE INTERNATIONALE DE GENÈVE 2026 taking place?
EXPOSITION CANINE INTERNATIONALE DE GENÈVE 2026 runs 2 October 2026 to 4 October 2026 in Le Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland.
Where can I find official event information?
Visit https://palexpo.ch/ for dates, admission, and programme updates.
Glossary
- Exposition Canine Internationale
- International dog show, an event where dogs are assessed by judges against breed standards.
- Societe Vaudoise de Cynologie
- The Vaud canine society, the organisation that stages the Exposition Canine Internationale de Geneve.
- Conformation show
- A competition in which dogs are judged on how closely they match the official breed standard.
- Breed
- A recognised population of dogs with a defined standard, such as the 180 breeds represented at this Geneva show.
- Palexpo
- The Geneva exhibition and congress centre in Le Grand-Saconnex that hosts the Exposition Canine Internationale.
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References
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Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA)
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.