Organising a breed meet that everyone enjoys
There is something special about a field full of dogs who all look a bit like yours. A breed meet is a lovely way to swap tips, compare coats and share the particular joys of a very particular dog, which is why we love them.
Every breed has its quirks, and between us we have heard most of them. Greyhound owners will tell you about the sofa. Spaniel owners will tell you about the mud. Dachshund owners will tell you, at length, about the steps. A breed meet is where all of that can be shared with people who nod along rather than just smile politely.
Breed meet is one of the walk types in Packmates, alongside Just a walk, Puppy social, Needs space, Senior / slow and Training. You choose it, and you describe who the walk is for. Here is how we would go about organising a good one.
Decide what kind of meet it is
Before you post anything, think about what you want the walk to be. A breed meet can be many things, and it helps to be clear with yourself first.
- A single breed, such as a meet for whippets or cockapoos.
- A group of similar breeds, such as retrievers, terriers or sighthounds.
- A size or type, such as small dogs, giant breeds or crossbreeds.
- A breed and its friends, where owners of that breed lead the way and others are welcome.
There is no right answer, and we like that Packmates organisers describe who the walk is for in their own words, so say what you mean. Owners of crossbreeds, rescues and dogs who look like three different breeds in a trench coat will want to know whether they would be welcome.
Choose a place with room
Breed meets can get busy, so room matters. We like to pick a public place with plenty of space and an easy-to-find meeting point, such as a car park, a gate or a known landmark. Agree the exact spot privately with approved owners, rather than putting it in the listing.
Think about the paths, too. A wide field is far easier than a narrow lane, and an enclosed space is not always better, because dogs can feel trapped. If you are not sure, walk the route yourself first, as we would.
Write a listing that sets the tone
A good listing says who it is for, what to expect and how many dogs you are hoping for. It should be warm, brief and specific, which is how we try to write ours. If you need help, our guide to writing a walk listing people say yes to has plenty of ideas.
What to put in your breed meet listing
- The breed or type of dog the walk is for, and whether other dogs are welcome.
- The pace and length of the walk, and the kind of ground.
- Tags such as On lead or Slow pace, so people know what to expect.
- How many owners you can comfortably welcome.
- Anything people should bring, such as water, bags or towels.
Keep the tone friendly, not exclusive, because we want every owner to feel welcome. A listing that says "retrievers and their friends, all very welcome" invites far more people than one that sounds like a members' club.
I run a small meet for our dachshund gang. We swap tips on backs, harnesses and sausage-shaped sulks, and the dogs have a lovely time. It is the best hour of my week.
Keep the group a good size
More is not always merrier, in our experience. A handful of dogs is easy to manage, while a dozen can be overwhelming for a shy dog, a puppy or a nervous owner. You can set a capacity on your walk, so you decide how many people can join.
Start small, which is our advice for any first meet. You can always run a second meet when the first goes well. It is far easier to grow a group slowly than to calm one that has got too big.
- Walk type
- Breed meet
- Who decides
- The organiser approves or declines each request
- Who sees the meeting point
- Approved owners only, once agreed
- Where to meet
- A named public place, never a home address
Approving requests with care
When people ask to join, you see who is asking and which dogs they would bring. Read the dog profiles, which cover size, energy, lead behaviour and comfort around other dogs. We tell owners before they ask if a dog might not suit a walk, but the final call is always yours.
It is fine to decline if a dog does not seem right for the walk, and it is kind to say so politely. We have been on the receiving end, and a kind word helps. If a dog might be better suited to a quieter walk, you could suggest a different Packmates walk type.
On the day
Arrive early
Get to the meeting point ten minutes before the others, and settle your own dog first.
Start with the humans
Welcome everyone, learn the names of the people and the dogs, and say a quick word about the route.
Go slowly at first
Keep dogs on lead for the first few minutes, so everyone can say hello calmly. Look for body language that suggests a dog needs more room.
Check in as you go
Keep an eye on the group, particularly the youngest, oldest and shyest dogs. Be ready to shorten the walk if needed.
Finish well
Thank everyone for coming, mention if you plan another, and make it easy for anyone who needs to leave.
Keep it welcoming
The best breed meets feel like a warm club that anyone can join. Say hello to the newcomer, introduce them around, and make sure no one is left standing awkwardly at the back of the group.
Dogs are individuals, too, and not every dog of a breed behaves according to the book. Be curious rather than certain, and let the dogs in front of you tell you who they are.
Ready to organise one? Have a look at how Packmates works, browse nearby walks for ideas, or join the beta and post your first meet. We would love to see a field full of your favourite dogs.
