Bologna 2026: Our World Dog Show Story World Dog Show 2026 · Bologna, Italy · Labrador judging: 4 June 2026

The World Dog Show 2026 in Bologna is now behind us. The Labrador judging took place on June 4th — and even now, days later, I am still enjoying the wonderful aftertaste of this truly spectacular event. But the most important thing I took away from this World Dog Show has nothing to do with placements. Success is built by people. As a breeder and owner, I felt more strongly than ever how important it is to work with professionals. People you can trust. People who know how to bring out the very best in a good dog and help them shine when it matters most. At the World Dog Show, we had three rings running simultaneously: Junior Dogs, Junior Bitches, and Veteran Bitches. While I was showing our veteran girl Frida, I was watching our handlers at work — and once again realized how much a strong team means. 🏆 Chocolatin Labs Freja (MBISS GCHB CH Lakeside Memoir of Gallivant TKN CGC × Carlayal Black&Chocolate) 🥈 2nd Place out of 40 Junior Bitches — r.JCAC Judge: Ragnhild Ulin (kennel Almanza) Watching Freja in the ring was something special. In just three months with handler Aliona Tiutiunnyk, she transformed from a beloved home girl into a true young show lady. Out of 40 beautiful junior bitches from all over the world, Freja was selected round after round and ultimately finished second in her class. What makes this result even more meaningful is the judge. Ragnhild Ulin of kennel Almanza is a world-renowned Flat-Coated Retriever breeder whose dogs are admired and respected by dog people across the globe. Receiving such recognition on the world's biggest stage is something we will carry with us for a long time. 🏆 Chocolatin Labs Flirt (MBISS GCHB CH Lakeside Memoir of Gallivant TKN CGC × Carlayal Black&Chocolate) 🥈 2nd Place out of 19 Junior Dogs — r.JCAC Judge: David Craig Anna had only two weeks to prepare Figaro for the World Dog Show. Together they attended just two outdoor shows before WDS. What they achieved in the ring speaks for itself. The result carries even more weight given who was judging. David Craig is a highly respected expert, breeder, and true Labrador specialist — someone who not only sees a Labrador's structure and movement, but understands and feels the essence of the breed. Recognition from such a judge is something every breeder deeply appreciates. ❤️ Night Single Quick Win (Vegas Night Bella Mare × Night Single Honey Bee) 🥉 3rd Place out of 8 Veteran Bitches Judge: Mauro Pierangelo Mostura ⭐ Chocolatin Labs Enrique (Big Vegas Black&Chocolate × Chocolatin Labs Gleam Emerald) Excellent — Intermediate Class At a World Dog Show, every Excellent is earned. We are proud of Enrique's result and what it represents on this stage. This post is not really about results. It is about teamwork. About people who put their hearts into dogs. About trust, professionalism, and a shared goal. My heartfelt thanks go to Anna Holosiuk, owner of Klub Dla Piesków, and Aliona Tiutiunnyk for presenting our dogs so beautifully — for the hard work, dedication, patience, and passion. For a breeder, there is no better feeling than seeing your dogs in the hands of people you trust completely. And my sincere gratitude goes to ENCI — Ente Nazionale Cinofilia Italiana and everyone involved in organizing WDS 2026 for creating an event that will remain in my heart forever. 🇮🇹 Bologna, Italy · 🌍 World Dog Show 2026 Chocolatin Labs · FCI-registered Labrador Retriever Kennel · Italy chocolatinlabs.com