Sighthound Festival Donaueschingen 2026

30/05/2026

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Children & Sighthounds …
… if one doesn’t think of it, the other one certainly will.

Our youngest visitors should not miss out at the Sighthound Festival Donaueschingen either.

Children and sighthounds can become wonderful friends — provided that both learn to treat each other with respect.

That is exactly why we would once again like to offer a small handling and presentation workshop for children and young teenagers this year.

The focus will be on the very first steps in working with a dog:

✧ How do you properly approach a sighthound?

✧ How do you lead the dog calmly and safely?

✧ Why is the dog traditionally shown on the left side?

✧ And why is it usually not a good idea to drag your four-legged partner along behind you?

Honestly — it is not always entirely clear who is educating whom.

With plenty of patience, fun and, of course, without wagging a finger, we would like to give the exhibitors of tomorrow a small introduction to the world of presentation and harmonious teamwork.

Experienced judges will support us and will certainly be happy to share many helpful tips.

In the afternoon, a cheerful “Child & Dog” competition will follow, where small trophies and prizes will naturally also be awarded.

However, the focus is not on fierce competition — but on the joy of sharing the experience together.

Because that is what it is really all about:

✧ Passing on enthusiasm.

✧ Learning responsibility.

✧ And perhaps already laying the foundation today for the next generation of true sighthound enthusiasts.

Angelika & Team

28/05/2026

26/05/2026

Gr**go, Podenco Andaluz und Teilzeitphilosoph, war 2024 zum ersten Mal in Donaueschingen, was er auf seine ganz eigene Weise erlebt hat, erzählt er im Journal.

Gr**go, Podenco Andaluz and part-time philosopher, visited Donaueschingen for the first time in 2024.
In the festival journal, he shares his very own view of the event.

24/05/2026

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Parade of Rescues – a very special moment in Donaueschingen

For many years, the “Parade of Rescues” has been one of the most touching moments of the Sighthound Festival Donaueschingen.

On Saturday, 08 August 2026, rescued sighthounds will once again be presented in the action ring — dogs who have been given a second chance after difficult beginnings in life.

Many of these dogs come from shelters or killing stations. Some still carry visible signs of their past. Others remain cautious and insecure around people.

And yet, each of them tells the same story:
the story of hope, trust and a new beginning.

Every dog presented in the ring has its own history. Their owners share, whenever possible, how the dogs were rescued and how their new lives began.

The dogs themselves do not have to perform.
They are not judged.
They are simply allowed to stand in the spotlight — as living beings who finally found safety, care and kindness.

One of the most beautiful things to witness is how many of these dogs slowly begin to trust again:
careful looks becoming softer, gentle contact being accepted, fear slowly turning into confidence.

Animal welfare has always been very important to the DWZRV. We are therefore very pleased that several rescue organisations will once again be part of the festival in 2026.

The “Parade of Rescues” reminds us that beauty is not only found in appearance — but often in courage, trust and the chance for a better life.

21/05/2026

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Sweet Tradition in Donaueschingen – Café Walter Returns

Anyone who has ever visited the Sighthound Festival will probably remember them: the wonderfully fragrant cakes and pastries from the traditional Café Walter from Tuttlingen.

And honestly: many visitors return to Donaueschingen not only because of the sighthounds … but also because of Waltraud’s cakes

For more than 40 years, Café Walter has stood for true confectionery tradition, the finest ingredients and cakes that still taste just like homemade cakes from childhood:
baked with love, generously sliced and simply delicious.

With their charming sales trailer, the Walter family has been an important part of the festival for many years and has become almost impossible to imagine Donaueschingen without them.

Anyone who has ever enjoyed a piece of cake there immediately understands why.

Around 30 different cakes and gateaux await our visitors – sometimes even more, depending on the season. In addition, there are coffee specialties, filled rolls, pretzels and many other delicious snacks.

And anyone who knows Waltraud also knows:
you do not only get wonderful cake there, but often a kind word as well.

When festival days become hectic and there is hardly time for a break, she often simply says:
"Then at least take something for your team with you.”

And that is exactly what her cakes are like:
generous, warm-hearted and made with love.

We are very happy that Café Walter will once again be part of the Sighthound Festival in 2026.

Come by and let yourself be enchanted by Walter’s cake paradise.

19/05/2026

Dual Winner Donaueschingen – Zwischenstand & wichtige Informationen

Der erste Teil des Dual Winner Donaueschingen ist geschafft – die Coursings und Rennen liegen hinter uns.

Wir sind überwältigt und sehr glücklich:
Über 500 Hunde haben an den Qualifikationsveranstaltungen teilgenommen und sind damit für den Dual Winner nominiert.
Was für ein großartiges Ergebnis!

Neu in diesem Jahr:
In die Wertung fließen zwei Rennen (Sand und Gras) sowie drei Coursings ein. Dabei haben wir bewusst Veranstaltungen über zwei Tage ausgewählt, um möglichst vielen Mitgliedern die Teilnahme zu ermöglichen.

Teilnahme am Wettbewerb "Dual Winner Donaueschingen"

Alle Hunde, die an den ausgeschriebenen Sportveranstaltungen teilgenommen haben und zur Ausstellung in Donaueschingen am Samstag, 08. August 2026 gemeldet werden, nehmen automatisch am Wettbewerb teil.
Eine gesonderte Anmeldung ist nicht erforderlich.

Kontrolle der Punkte
Auf dieser Facebook-Seite und in der Juni-Ausgabe von „Unsere Windhunde“ finden Sie im Anschluss an diesen Text eine Übersicht aller Ergebnisse.
Die Liste ist nach Rassen und Veranstaltungen sortiert und enthält die erreichten Punkte der teilnehmenden Hunde.

Bitte überprüfen Sie die Angaben Ihres Hundes sorgfältig.
Es wird jeweils das beste Ergebnis gewertet.
Sollten Ihnen Unstimmigkeiten auffallen, wenden Sie sich bitte zeitnah an Frau Anke Severit-Frank unter Mail: [email protected] - oder telefonisch 0160 4523946

Ergebnisse vor Ort
In Donaueschingen werden die aktuellen Punktestände am Infostand ausgelegt und können dort jederzeit eingesehen werden.
Die Ergebnisse werden am Samstag fortlaufend aktualisiert.

Ehrung der Dual Winner
Die Reihenfolge der Best-in-Show-Wettbewerbe entnehmen Sie bitte dem Ausstellungskatalog. Wichtig:
Die angegebenen Zeiten können sich verschieben, beginnen jedoch nicht vor der angegebenen Uhrzeit.
Bitte verfolgen Sie daher das Geschehen am Ehrenring und halten Sie sich rechtzeitig mit Ihrem Hund im Vorring bereit.

Ein besonderer Moment
Aus allen Dual Winnern wird am Ende der Best of Dual Winner gekürt – ein ganz besonderer und emotionaler Höhepunkt unseres Festivals.
Wir wünschen jedem Einzelnen von Ihnen, diesen Moment gemeinsam mit seinem Hund erleben zu dürfen.

Wir danken sehr herzlich allen Vereinen, die ihre Veranstaltungen für den Dual Winner zur Verfügung gestellt haben und uns die Ergebnisse zuverlässig und zeitnah übermittelt haben.

Ein besonderer Dank geht an Anke, die sich bereit erklärt hat, die diesjährige Auswertung zum Dual Winner zu übernehmen.

Wir freuen uns auf ein Wiedersehen in Donaueschingen!

Herzliche Grüße
Angelika & Team

17/05/2026

For the very first time in the history of the Sighthound Festival, the Italian Sighthounds will celebrate their National Specialty Show with us in Donaueschingen.
And we are truly delighted about it.

Hardly any other sighthound breed combines elegance, charm and temperament in quite the same way as the Italian Sighthound.

At first glance they appear delicate and fragile — almost like little works of art on four legs. But everyone who knows the breed understands:
behind this elegant appearance often hides a surprisingly confident personality.

On Saturday, 8 August 2026, the international Italian Sighthound community will gather in Donaueschingen to celebrate their Specialty Show as part of the Sighthound Festival.

We are especially pleased to welcome
Juan Miranda Saucedo from Mexico as judge for this special event.

In addition to the coveted annual winner titles, several special competitions will be held, including awards for:
Best Head
Best Movement
and — very much in true Italian Sighthound style — Best Costume.

Because enthusiasts of this charming little breed know perfectly well how to combine elegance, Italian flair and creativity.

The “Horus Falconry” team will also appear in matching historical attire during the presentation of the Italian Sighthounds — creating yet another unforgettable visual highlight and wonderful photographic opportunities.

And there is every reason to be curious about the entry numbers:
Italian Sighthounds have already achieved excellent entry figures at previous events in Donaueschingen.
Perhaps 2026 will become one of the most beautiful and atmospheric Italian Sighthound gatherings in recent years.

And maybe photographers are already looking forward to one very special image:
the winner of the Italian Sighthounds on Saturday together with the winner of the Irish Wolfhounds on Sunday.

One could hardly be smaller.
The other could hardly be larger.

And yet both represent exactly what makes sighthounds so unique:
elegance, presence and personality.

We are looking forward to an extraordinary weekend full of beauty, atmosphere and passion for sighthounds

Angelika & Team

09/05/2026

Wieder dabei in Donaueschingen: Die "Aldente Pasta Bar"
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Back again in Donaueschingen: the “Aldente Pasta Bar”

Many of our visitors will certainly remember him:
the cheerful pasta chef from Donaueschingen, whose stand became a popular meeting point during the last festival.

That is exactly why we are delighted that the “Aldente Pasta Bar” will once again be part of the Sighthound Festival in 2026.

Anyone who enjoyed a meal there in 2024 will remember:
the pasta was truly al dente, the sauces freshly prepared, and the atmosphere around the stand almost as enjoyable as the food itself.

Fresh pasta from Italy, traditionally cooked sauces, high-quality ingredients and a genuine passion for good food – this is what awaits our visitors at the festival grounds.

The team is especially proud of its homemade sauces:
The Napoli and Bolognese sauces are slowly cooked over many hours using fresh vegetables, Italian olive oil and carefully selected ingredients.

And for those who prefer something more hearty:
According to the owner, they also serve the “best handmade currywurst sauce in the world.”
(We suppose our visitors will have to judge that for themselves)

In addition to pasta dishes, there will of course also be other food options and vegetarian meals available.

What impressed us most during our visit was not only the excellent food, but also the warm and relaxed atmosphere created by the team.

Or, as guests of the “Al Dente Pasta Bar” describe it:

✨ “Excellent service and outstanding food.”
✨ “Super friendly and very accommodating.”
✨ “The food was amazing – absolutely delicious!”

We are looking forward to another enjoyable and relaxed festival weekend together with the Aldente Pasta Bar.