crufts 2006

[the birdster]

wht dog bread won crufts this year?????

[Noweia]

An Australian Shepherd Dog.

[lankeela]

The correct name is Australian Shepherd - the KC dropped the 'Dog' part of the name. Although called 'Australian' they are actually originally from America.

The Crufts Best In Show is actually a five year old American owned and bred male called Am Ch Caitland Isle Take A Chance.

To get to Best In Show he had to first win his class, then Best Dog, then Best of Breed, then win the Pastoral Group and then compete against the other six Group winners for Best In Show.

This year's Crufts is the first show where Australian Shepherds were awarded Challenge Certificates ( to the Best Dog and Best Bitch) as they were classed as a 'Rare Breed' up till then. A dog needs to win three Challenge Certificates under three different judges to become a Champion in this country.

I hope for the sake of the breed that people don't all rush out to buy one just because they saw one win Best In Show at Crufts. They are not an easy dog to own as they do not 'grow up' mentally until they are about three and can be very difficult to train unless you are experienced with dogs. They need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation or they can get bored easily and become unruly and destructive. Unfortunately for them they come in a range of beautiful colours which makes them very attractive.

[kick3m0n]

lankeela - are they similar to border collies and other dogs used as sheep dogs in the UK? They sound it from what you say abotu "growing up", training, exercise, stimulation etc.

Chance is a stunnningly beautiful dog, and I was delighted he won, as it was my favourite from the group stages. I haven't picked a Crufts winner for years!

[kick3m0n]

P.S. Lankeela can you look at Dom's question on Crufts in News re the handler's habits??? Thanks xx

[lankeela]

They do the same sort of work as Border Collies, and are very similar, although slightly heavier in build and have a short tail (they are often born tailless, if not they are docked).

They do take a lot of training and have been very successful in obedience, agility and working trials, although they have really made their mark in the breed ring. They are very glamourous and showy and that is why I hope people think carefully before buying one just because they look nice.

I have answered the tread in the 'news' section, with the answer that handlers wll do anything to get the dog's attention, as the judge wants to see the dog at its best, standing alert and ready for action, even if it means pretending to eat the dog's titbit. I did this at a show once with a piece of liver, then realised that it was an old mouldy bit from a show weeks earlier which had been left in my pocket.

[kick3m0n]

liver - yeeeeeuuuch! but you're right, I'd do anything necessary to get my dog's attention in the show ring at Crufts. Beautiful dog - have you ever owned simialr ones lankeela, as you're clearly very knowledgable. You're right though, I hope we don't see an increased number of unawanted Australian Shepherds, that would be tragic. I kind of hope people have more sense, but sadly, we know this is not the case.

[lankeela]

Never owned an Aussie, but did have a Border Collie and German Shepherds who did obedience and agility. I now have Lancashire Heelers (hence the name Lankeela!) which are small black and tan (originally cattle dogs) which need quite a lot of attention even though they are small. They are like a big dog in a small dog's body. I run a ringcraft club and show and judge dogs. The thing about dogs is the more you think you know, the more you realise you don't know, you're always learning. I am always happy to help if I can and if I can't, I probably know a man who can.