Participation Restrictions for the Traits Hairlessness and Brachyury at Dogs & Fun 2026 in Dortmund

The following restrictions apply at Dogs & Fun 2026 in Dortmund —due to official requirements—regarding the exhibition of certain dogs with specific traits. The VDH is obliged to implement these conditions in order to ensure the event can take place. At the same time, there is still a need for clarification in some areas, and certain requirements are being critically reviewed. 

Hairless Dogs (FOXI3 Gene Variant) 

Hairless dogs of the breeds Chinese Crested, Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog), and Peruvian Hairless Dog carry a heterozygous mutation of the FOXI3 gene. The classification of exhibiting and breeding dogs carrying the mutated FOXI3 gene variant as a violation of animal welfare legislation is currently controversial in Germany, and several related court cases are pending. 

At previous shows in Dortmund, participation was assessed on a case-by-case basis upon submission of a veterinary certificate and compliance with VDH health requirements (in particular regarding missing teeth). 

For Dogs & Fun 2026, a more extensive concept has now been implemented in coordination with the Veterinary Office of the City of Dortmund. This concept prohibits the exhibition of hairless or largely hairless dogs of the aforementioned breeds. Due to the ongoing legal uncertainty and pending court decisions, the VDH reserves the right to conduct further legal assessments for future events. 

This does not affect fully coated representatives of these breeds that are not carriers of the FOXI3 gene variant, which remain eligible to participate. 

Dogs with Shortened Tails (DVL2 Gene Variant) 

A genetic variant in the DVL2 gene leads to a shortened tail (brachyury) and may, in some cases, be associated with vertebral malformations. This variant is particularly common in breeds such as the Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, and English Bulldog. 

Until now, dogs of these breeds were permitted to participate in Dortmund shows if their tail covered the anal region and if no clinical symptoms—such as dermatitis under the tail or impairments of normal hygiene—were present. Compliance was ensured through veterinary certification and entrance examinations conducted at the event. 

As part of the animal welfare requirements for Dogs & Fun 2026, it has now been stipulated that dogs of these breeds may only participate if their tail reaches at least halfway from the base of the tail to the level of the knee joint. 

However, this requirement is also based on a welfare assessment that has not yet been conclusively clarified. The expression of tail length in carriers of the gene variant can vary and is, in most cases, not directly associated with health impairments. Against this background, this requirement is also subject to ongoing professional and legal review by the VDH, particularly with regard to future events.