Sarah Petrie and Bowie Set Their Sights on the World Dog Show
June 02, 2026
Tomorrow, thousands of dogs and exhibitors from around the globe will gather in Bologna, Italy, for one of the biggest international canine events in the world: the World Dog Show.
Among them will be a familiar Canadian team proudly representing the Canadian dog community, Sarah Petrie and her Shih Tzu, Bowie.
Bred by Sarah alongside her parents, Patti and Mark Paquette, Bowie has already made an impressive name for himself in the sport. In 2025, he was ranked Canada’s #4 All-Breed Dog and the #1 Owner-Handled Dog of All Breeds. Sarah has handled Bowie exclusively throughout his career, making their success together even more meaningful.
“It is truly an honour to be at the end of his lead,” says Sarah. “I am proud to owner-handle him exclusively.”
After a standout year competing in both Canada and the United States, Sarah and her family felt the time was right to take Bowie to the international stage.
“Competing at the World Dog Show felt like the perfect next step for him,” she explains. “It is an incredible opportunity to showcase Bowie on an international stage.”
For Sarah, the opportunity means more than simply competing. It is a chance to represent Canada and the dedication behind her family’s breeding program at one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world.
“It is an incredible honour to represent Canada on the world stage,” she says. “We hope to make everyone in the Canadian dog community proud.”
Preparation for the trip has included selective showing to keep both handler and dog sharp heading into the competition season. Bowie recently earned Best in Show at the Olde York Kennel Club show in March, followed by Best in Specialty wins at both American Shih Tzu Club Regional Specialties in April. Alongside competing, Sarah says Bowie continues a strict conditioning and coat care routine to ensure he is in top form for Italy.
While the competition itself is exciting, Sarah is equally looking forward to the experience surrounding the event.
“My sister and I have never been to Italy before, so the experience itself will be very special,” she says. “The show will also feature over 30,000 dogs from around the world, which is incredibly exciting.”
Like many in the purebred dog community, Sarah’s journey has always been rooted in family. She began attending dog shows with her mother at a young age, and both she and her sister competed in junior handling. Now, as she prepares for one of the biggest moments of her showing career, her family will once again be by her side.
“Showing dogs has always been a family affair for us,” says Sarah. “Having their support during this journey means a great deal to me.”
The World Dog Show will also be a family milestone in more ways than one. Sarah’s cousin, Jody Paquette, will be competing, too.
Although this will be Sarah’s first time competing outside Canada and the United States, international success is not new to the Paquette family. Sarah’s mother, Patti, previously attended the World Dog Show in Brazil, where one of their Shih Tzu, “Shandy,” won the breed.
As Sarah and Bowie prepare to take on the world stage, they do so carrying the support of the Canadian dog community with them.
“We will represent Canada with great pride,” says Sarah. “Bowie and I truly appreciate all of the support and encouragement we have received throughout this journey.”
The Canadian Kennel Club wishes Sarah, Bowie, and all Canadians attending the 2026 World Dog Show the very best of luck in Bologna.
The opinions expressed by authors on the Canadian Kennel Club Blog and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of the Canadian Kennel Club or any of its employees.
Les opinions et les commentaires exprimés dans le blogue du Club Canin Canadien sont ceux des auteurs et ils ne reflètent pas les opinions du Club Canin Canadien ni de ses employés.