Ahead of the World Dog Show 2025: An Interview with One of Sweden’s Most Successful Dog Show Competitors
In this blog post, we at Canis Certo have had the honor of interviewing one of Sweden’s most prominent figures in the dog show world – Susanne "Sussie" Karlström from Kennel Almanza. With just over a week left until the World Dog Show in Helsinki, we’ve gotten an inside look at the preparations, expectations, and what it truly means to compete on the world’s biggest dog stage, along with her fondest memories from some of the greatest dog shows in the world.
From Show Jumping to the World’s Biggest Dog Stages – Sussie Karlström Lives Her Dream
Susanne "Sussie" Karlström has not only dedicated her life to animals – she’s also made history in the dog world. Together with colleagues Ragnhild Ulin, Patrick Oware, and Anna Lindgren, she runs the successful Kennel Almanza, which is today one of the most respected names in Flatcoated Retriever breeding.
But before the dog sport took over, Sussie spent much of her free time with horses, competing in show jumping – an early testament to her drive and competitive spirit. However, it was with the legendary dog Almanza Roundabout, known as “Robin,” that her international breakthrough came. The year was 2002, the place: World Dog Show in Amsterdam – and Sussie emerged as the winner with a Best of Breed (BOB) title and tears streaming down her face. That was the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
Since then, the successes have continued to stack up. With the star dog Almanza Dancin’ On The Tables, “Astrid,” she achieved another long-held dream this March: Best of Breed among nearly 400 entered Flatcoats at the prestigious Crufts show in the UK – a goal she had carried with her for a long time. Shortly after, Astrid went on to win both BOB and the group at the European Dog Show in Brno – a feat few breeders even dare to dream of. Astrid is also the result of a wonderful collaboration with her owners Lotta & Geir Ove, where Sussie has the honor of presenting her in the show ring.
But the greatest triumph came during Crufts 2022, where Almanza Backseat Driver, “Baxer,” shown by Patrick Oware, made history. Baxer didn’t just win Best of Breed and the Gundog group – he also took home the most coveted title of all: Best in Show at the world’s largest dog show. A moment that Sussie describes as magical:
"I didn’t know you could cry that much from happiness! It was a truly magical experience – the attention afterward, the press, the friends, the party hosted by the English Kennel Club, and then all the friends waiting for us back at the hotel when Patrick, Baxer, and I returned! Fantastic!!"
In just over a week, the World Dog Show in Helsinki awaits, and traveling to major international events is something Sussie never tires of – and the meaning remains just as strong every time.
“It’s always special to attend the big prestigious shows like WDS, EDS, and Crufts! It means a lot to have the opportunity to participate, see the dogs that are out there, meet friends from all over the world – for me, that’s the biggest reward! Crazy and funny things always happen on our trips – we could write a book!”
When it comes to preparing for such a major competition as WDS in Helsinki, Sussie says it’s about sticking with what works.
“Really nothing different than for other shows – it’s important that the dogs are in excellent condition in terms of muscle, weight, and coat. The coat should be clean and fresh, well-groomed but not overdone – for our breed, it should look as natural as possible.”
But what is it she truly hopes to get out of the trip and participation in the World Dog Show?
“The goal for me is to have a great time with my friends and present the dogs in the best possible way! To give myself, our puppy buyers, and our dogs a positive experience! The feeling when the dogs receive a good result is always extra special!”
With thousands of dogs on site and a whirlwind of impressions, it’s crucial that the four-legged travelers also feel well. Sussie has a clear strategy for this.
“The dogs’ well-being is priority number one! For Finland, we’re taking the evening ferry so it’s natural for the dogs to sleep. My dogs are used to traveling and have always been easy to bring to hotels and restaurants, so I feel very lucky! It’s important that they feel comfortable, relaxed, and take everything in stride.”
In addition to the competition itself, there’s much more to look forward to at an event like this – something Sussie truly values.
“We skipped the Circuit show this time since it’s on Thursday and WDS for our breed is on Sunday. What I’m most looking forward to is meeting and spending time with my friends!”
For those who dream of one day participating in a world-class event with their own dog, Sussie offers several wise and practical tips.
“If you get the chance, you should absolutely experience these events – they always feel a bit more special, often because of the global participation! Prepare as well as you can, arrive early so you and your dog can find the ring without stress. Bring a crate so your dog has a safe, cozy space – drape a sheet or something over it to make it more secluded. Also bring a chair for yourself.”
Finally – appearances matter too, says Sussie, who enjoys adding an extra touch of elegance for major events.
“I always think it’s nice to wear a stylish outfit at shows! For these kinds of events, I always try to find something new to wear!”
With both humility and determination, Sussie Karlström shows that success in the dog world is about more than titles – it’s about passion, collaboration, friendship, and above all, love for the dogs.
As the World Dog Show 2025 in Helsinki approaches, she’s once again ready to give it her all – not just in the ring, but in the full experience surrounding it. Regardless of the results, it’s clear that every journey is part of something much bigger: a lifelong dedication to the breed, the sport, and the community.
Canis Certo wishes Sussie and the Almanza team the best of luck in Helsinki – and looks forward to following your continued journey on the world stage.
Almanza Dancin’ On The Tables ‘Astrid’ won BIG-1 at the European Dog Show in Brno, Czech Republic under judge Peter F. Berchtold from Austria.
Almanza Dancin’ On The Tables ‘Astrid’ won Best of Breed at Crufts, the world’s largest and most prestigious dog show held in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Bitches were judged by Espen Engh from Norway.
Astrid in the final ring at the European Dog Show in the Czech Republic
Astrid