regulations
National regulations against doping of dogs
Doping and other inappropriate measures
Participating of ill or injured dogs is not permitted. Furthermore, the dog must not be affected in any forbidden way, i.e., been subjected to measures aimed at inappropriately altering their appearance, performance or reactions/character, or intended to conceal signs of injury or illness.
It is the obligation of the person responsible for a dog to ascertain how a specific treatment or other measure may affect the eligibility of that dog to take part in a trial, competition or show.
A dopingtest can be carried out. If the management for the show decides to take a sample for the investigation of possible doping or other, inappropriate measures, the person responsible for the dog is obliged to make the dog in question available for testing and for any further examination resulting from the test.
For details of regulations regarding prohibited treatments and measures, and for information about waiting periods following medical treatment or other measures, please contact Svenska Kennelklubben on e-mail to: doping@skk.se.
Neutered male dogs/bitches
Male dog that has been neutered by medical treatment or by chip treatment is not allowed to take part in shows, trials and competitions in Sweden. Exemption to take part is not available.
Bitches that have been neutered by continuously medical treatment is allowed to a general exemption to take part in shows, trials and competitions in Sweden.
Docked tail, ear cropping and removing declaws
It is illegal to crop ears or dock tails on dogs in Sweden. It is also illegal to remove declaws without medical reasons.
For a dog with a docked tail or born in another country, there are restrictions on what trials, competition and mental descriptions the dog is allowed to participate in.
Ear-cropped or tail docked dogs, born in a country where it was allowed when it was done, have the right to participate in tests, competitions or mental descriptions. Dogs docked due to medical reasons or not born with naturally long tails, are also allowed at tests, competitions or mental descriptions. Dogs with declaws removed due to medical reasons are also allowed to compete.
- The Swedish Agriculture legislation - Jordbruksverkets föreskrifter Animals - Jordbruksverket.se
Bringing dogs to Sweden and the AWC 2025
Planning on bringing your dog to Sweden and the AWC 2025? You'll find practical information below about the requirements for traveling with dogs and the veterinary controls at the championships.
Dogs must meet certain conditions to be allowed to enter Sweden, and also to be let into the AWC arena Hatstore Arena.
Traveling with dogs to Sweden
You will find useful and up-to-date information on bringing dogs to Sweden at Jordbruksverket's website (The Swedish Board of Agriculture) on necessary documents and vaccinations needed.
Movement of dogs, cats or ferrets to Sweden – both travel and trade - Jordbruksverket.se
Please note that:
- It is prohibited to keep or own wolf hybrids in Sweden.
- It is prohibited to keep or breed dogs particularly prone to aggression.
Bringing dogs to AWC 2025 and Hatstore Arena
AWC 2025 is an international championship following FCI anti-doping regulations, the Swedish Kennel Club general rules and Swedish national doping regulations for dogs. In addition, all dogs and dog sports in Sweden are controlled by Jordbruksverkets (The Swedish Board of Agriculture) legislation for the well-being of dogs in addition to general Swedish legislation.
All dogs must pass the veterinary check to enter the venue. Only dogs competing and dogs with special permission may enter the arena. Permission for dogs not competing is applied for through each country's team leader.
Everybody at the championships therefore must follow doping and animal welfare legislations according to:
- FCI rules and legislation Doping (fci.be)
- Svenska Kennelklubben (Swedish Kennel Club) Forms & regulations (skk.se)
- The Swedish Agriculture legislation - Jordbruksverkets föreskrifter Animals - Jordbruksverket.se
- Swedish general legislation
Questions about doping regulations and specific substances can be asked to: doping@skk.se
Vaccinations
A vaccination check is carried out during the veterinary control. As a competitor, you are responsible for making sure that the competing dog has received the necessary vaccinations:
Canine distemper: Dogs competing in Sweden must be vaccinated as follows against canine distemper: Dogs less than one year of age – at a minimum of 10 weeks. Dogs older than one year – at a minimum of 10 months or older, however, no more than 4 years ago. The so-called first vaccination may not be carried out less than 14 days prior to exhibition day.
Parvovirus Infection: The Swedish kennel club - Svenska Kennelklubben recommends that the dog is vaccinated against Parvo. For those recommendations which apply for the different Parvo vaccines, please consult your veterinarian.
Rabies: Any dog brought into Sweden against the current import regulations will be banned from the AWC arena.
Deworming and travel certificates
Contact the veterinarian at the arena. (contact information to be updated later) Bring your own tablets for the dog. Any form necessary to travel or enter other countries on your way back home you need to bring.