Hundreds of four-legged Canberrans were pampered and socialised at the second annual A Pooch Affair at EPIC on Saturday.

Catering for dogs of all shapes and sizes, the event brought together dozens of pet retailers, charities, breeding groups, social clubs and interstate providers.

Owners who booked in advance could also join their furry friends for a Mad Hatter-themed high tea, providing food for humans and a special cushioned chair and treats for the dogs.

Others who shared a startling resemblance to their pets had the chance to win the "Doggelgangers" competition, while the best dressed around the show were selected for the "Puparazzi" parade.

Aside from the pedicures, grooming and baths dogs could enjoy, their owners could peruse pooch-themed books, take tips about health and behaviour at question and answer sessions, or look at stalls focused on issues such as puppy farms and greyhound adoption.

Four types of dog – Scots, hounds, pugs and any breed with the "-oodle" suffix – also had an exclusive hour of leash-free play each in a special pen at a corner of the expo.

Organisers were hoping to double attendance numbers from last year, with extra space and more giveaways than the first event in 2015.

Event manager Emma Pieper said many stallholders and visitors came from interstate this year.

Many of the interstate vendors were chosen from a dog lovers' show in Melbourne.

Ms Pieper hoped the local day out would continue to grow, with the potential to set it up as a visitor drawcard to Canberra.

"Bloggers and stallholders from interstate tell their followers all about it when they get home, then they become interested in visiting or returning," she said.

"I'd love for it to become a thing that brings people to Canberra. It doesn't matter what the weather's doing, because the venue is all indoors."

Ms Pieper said behavioural problems from the dogs were almost non-existant, with too many canines in the one place to establish a hierarchy or rivalries.

Next year's event has been set for early June.