Crufts

[MWG14]

Does anyone think that Crufts is the canine version of ‘Toddlers and Tiaras’ in the US?

[youngmafbog]

No

[dannyk13]

In what way can a dog show be compared with a child beauty show?

[bookbinder]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toddlers_%26_Tiaras

[lankeela]

No - those of us who travel hundreds of miles a year and spend hundreds of pounds showing our dogs to qualify do so because we enjoy showing our dogs and work hard to promote our breeds - the public get the totally wrong idea because of the stupidity of the childish presenters on tv entertainment programmes. Our dogs are well looked after, fed and exercised to maintain their health and welfare. Far better than some of the overweight spoiled pet dogs that have matted coats which groomers then have to shave off.

[ferlew]

The dogs are probably heaps happier being on show than those terrible spoilt brats that are portrayed, and the handlers seem to be more caring than the mothers cajoling and using emotional blackmail to get the kids to perform.

[MWG14]

I don’t have an opinion one way or the other because I have not watched either on TV. I just thought that it might be an interesting topic for discussion.

[Smowball]

My friends daughter won 1st place in her dogs group at Crufts the other day!! Am not 100% sure of the exact class but she was so so excited. The dog looks like some gorgeous big spaniel in all the photos that Ive seen. Seems to be a whole section for younger dog owners.

[lankeela]

The Young Kennel Club run competitions all through the year for showing, handling, obedience, agility, flyball, grooming and hold training weekends and competitions for all ages from 6 years to 24 years. It is an achievement to qualify for Crufts and many youngsters go on to become exhibitors and breeders of the future or work in related industries. To win is something many can only dream of so well done to your friend's daughter.

On a personal note, my interest in dog showing has taken me to several different countries judging in Finland, Sweden and Norway, and competing in The Netherlands. I have made countless friends throughout the world and through my puppies I now have an extended 'family' who keep in touch. I also have two very good friends who I 'met' through AB who also show their dogs. I don't think most people realise just how many shows and other competitions there are throughout the year - I am on five different committees and between them we run more than a dozen shows some for all breeds and some for just the one breed. If anyone is sitting at home feeling sorry for themselves I would say get a dog and start showing - you will never be lonely again! If you can't have a dog, come along to a show for a day out and join in the organising because we welcome everyone and always need help.

[bednobs]

lankeela - is the flyball final today and is it being televised?

[Smowball]

Wow lankeela, I never knew you did all that! Well done xx

[Hopkirk]

The BBC must agree with you, because they stopped showing it on their TV channels.

[rowanwitch]

You rarely see a dog at Crufts that looks unhappy, thought the little apricot poodle was a bit much coatwise but it seemed to be having a lovely time. I do like some of the bigger dogs and wish I could have one.

[lankeela]

For those who are interested this is the judge's critique for the Toy Poodle who was Reserve Best in Show - showing what they are looking for in a show dog: "My notes say Wow ! an absolute show stopper from nose to tail. This stunning two-year-old was shown in full bloom presenting a perfect outline stacked, short compact body and long neck to give the shape I like to see. Exquisite in head with melting expression from well-placed eyes, good stop, well defined chin, and plenty of moulding, all enhanced by well-placed ears and a wealth of furnishings. A look of arrogance defies you to pass him by. Well-conditioned body with good muscle tone and well-placed tail. Has excellent reach of neck set into well laid shoulders, straight front, and well-angulated rear. All was covered by a wealth of thick crisp even coloured apricot coat in full bloom expertly presented as always with not a hair out of place. He powered round the ring with plenty of reach and drive in a free-flowing action yet retaining his outline. His ring presence and enthusiastic character makes him the complete package just demanding attention. I had no hesitation in awarding him the CC and BOB. What else can I say fabulous, just wish he was mine."