About us
Over A Decade of Community, Pride & Play
Since 2015, we have supported the European puppy and handler scene with passion, visibility, and inclusive community building across the continent.
Leaders Who Represent and Inspire
Twelve titleholders have been elected to represent European pups and handlers—amplifying voices, promoting kink-positive values, and uniting our diverse scene.
A Growing Global Pack
With thousands of followers across BlueSky, Twitter, and Instagram, our community extends far beyond elections—celebrating connection, education, and joyful expression.
A Proud Tradition
Nine elections have empowered our members to shape leadership, celebrate visibility, and strengthen the bonds of the pup and handler scene across Europe.
WHAT IS EUROPEAN PUP AND HANDLER?
European Puppy & Handler is a unifying organisation that brings together pups, handlers, and allies from across Europe under one playful, proud banner. We exist to strengthen the community through visibility, education, empowerment, and ethical celebration. Our mission is rooted in joy, consent, and collective care — honouring the past while building an inclusive future for all forms of pup and pet play.
Founded within the queer fetish scene, European Puppy & Handler is a vibrant, community-led initiative that celebrates the diversity, creativity, and connection at the heart of Europe’s pup and handler communities. Far more than a contest, it’s a movement — one that champions inclusion, visibility, and care at every turn.
Each year, we come together to elect European titleholders who represent the very best of our community: compassionate, confident, and committed to supporting others across borders, kinks, and identities.
Our Mission/VALUES
We believe in a Europe where all forms of pup play are recognised, celebrated, and nurtured. Our work focuses to:
Unleash Authenticity
We believe pup play is as diverse as the people.
Whether you bark, wag, growl, or purr — this is a space where you’re free to be fully, unapologetically you.
We champion self-expression in all forms and honour every unique identity, kink, and journey.
Safe, Seen, Supported
We thrive when everyone feels valued, respected, and protected.
Consent, care, and communication are non-negotiable — and we actively work to build a culture where no one is left behind.
Visibility matters. So does safety. And no one should have to choose between the two.
Grow Together
We learn, play, and grow as a pack.
Whether you’re brand new or long-time leather, we believe in sharing knowledge, laughter, and resources to uplift one another.
Mentorship, mutual aid, and joy are part of how we thrive — together.
THE
Contest
Held annually at Darklands in Antwerp, the European Puppy & Handler Contest is a playful, powerful event where contestants showcase their passion, knowledge, and creativity through a series of challenges, interviews, and performances.
And its not just the Contest
European Pup and Handler is proudly community-powered and independently run. Our work is made possible through a mix of:
Support our Titleholders
in their journeys as educators, advocates, and community ambassadors
Collaborate with Other Titles
to strengthen communities across Europe
Facilitate Learning
through opening up our website with a new growing learn aspect
OUR
ROOTS
EPAHC was born in the heart of Europe’s queer kink scene — at Darklands, the continent’s largest indoor fetish festival. It was there, surrounded by leather, laughter, and a sea of wagging tails, that the idea of a European title for pups and handlers took shape.
What began as a playful contest quickly grew into something bigger — a movement built on community care, visibility, and joy.
With our logo carries that history we feel it really to recognise the history and establishment of our scene
How We Make This Happen
European Pup and Handler is proudly community-powered and independently run. Our work is made possible through a mix of:
Self-funding
from our volunteer team
Sponsorships
from businesses and community organisations who believe in our mission
Fundraisers
raised through events and campaigns
In-kind support
such as venue access, equipment, and promotional help from partners across Europe
And Fueled by Our Volunteers
European Pup and Handler is powered by a dedicated volunteer team of organisers, former titleholders, educators, and community leaders. Together, we work year-round to build bridges between local clubs, support our titleholders, and create educational resources for our growing pan-European community. Want to meet the faces behind the movement?
Want to meet the faces behind the movement?
INCLUSION
Our Commitment
We are proudly queer-led and committed to creating anti-racist, trans-inclusive,body-positive, and accessible spaces for newcomers. Pup play is for everyone, regardless of gender, body, background, or experience level. We’re constantly learning and evolving to ensure our spaces are safer, for, and more accountable for all.
We know there’s still a long way to go — building an inclusive community takes continual learning, listening, and open cannon — but our aims remain strong, and our commitment is unwavering.
OUR SPONSORS
