Dog World - Crufts 2011

Exclusive: Full interview with Crufts Best in Show Judge Paolo Dondina

2011-03-15T16:57:00.001+00:00

Paolo Dondina speaks to dogworld.tv about the big appointment.

Flat-coated Retriever wins Best in Show

2011-03-14T11:51:00.000+00:00

Best in Show - judge Paolo Dondina

Flat-coated Retriever Sh Ch Vbos The Kentuckian

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen wins Reserve Best in Show

2011-03-14T11:46:00.000+00:00

Reserve Best in Show - judge Paolo Dondina

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Soletrader Peek A Boo

Bichon Frise wins toy group

2011-03-14T11:40:00.000+00:00

Toy group – judge Richard Haynes

Group 1 – Bichon Frise Ch Pamplona Bring Me Sunshine

Group 2 – Lowchen (Little Lion Dog) Cib/Nord Ch Chic Choix Markey Lifar

Group 3 – Pug Int Ch Tangetoppens's Unbreakable News

Group 4 – Pomeranian Dan/Sw/Int/Slov Ch Soffies Queen Bee WW09

Standard Poodle wins utility group

2011-03-14T11:26:00.000+00:00

Utility group – judge Terry Nethercott.

Group 1 – Standard Poodle Ch Vicmars Rave On

Group 2 – Lhasa Apso Ch Zentarr Elizabeth

Group 3 – Akita Ch Ruthdales Candy From A Baby

Group 4 – Shih Tzu Santosha Thunderbolt

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Crufts Best in Show Judge

2011-03-13T14:50:00.000+00:00

Paolo Dondina speaks to dogworld.tv about the big appointment. Full interview available very soon.

Wire Fox tops terriers

2011-03-13T11:24:00.000+00:00

Terrier group – judge Phillip Greenaway

Group 1 – Wire Fox Terrier Ch Travella Starlord

Group 2 – Airedale Terrier Ch/Am Ch Longvue Jackpot of Saredon

Group 3 – Staffordshire Bull Terrier Ch Hubbulls The Promise

Group 4 – Norwich Terrier Ragus Jazz King

PBGV wins hound group

2011-03-13T11:15:00.000+00:00

Hound group - judge Eleanor Bothwell

Group 1 - Basset Griffon Vendeen Soletrader Peek A Boo

Group 2 - Borzoi Cib/Se/Norw/Fin/Dan Ch Borzowski's Phenomenon

Group 3 - Afghan Hound Ir Ch Ashani Amir

Group 4 - Whippet Int Ch Sobers Ingrid

dogworld.tv talks to Caroline Kisko on Day 3 of Crufts

2011-03-12T14:21:00.000+00:00

Caroline Kisko, secretary of the Kennel Club, talks to Stuart Baillie about Mate Select

Boxer tops working group for second time

2011-03-12T09:41:00.000+00:00

Working group - judge Kari Wilberg

Group 1 - Boxer Ch/Ir Ch Winuwuk Lust At First Sight

Group 2 - Newfoundland Ch/Ir Ch Fairweathers's Knockout with Brooklynbear

Group 3 - Dobermann Ch Supeta's Ozzy Osbourne

Group 4 - Rottweiler Ch Olearia Blaze Of Gold

German Shepherd heads pastoral group

2011-03-12T09:38:00.000+00:00

Pastoral group - judge Ellis Hulme

Group 1 - German Shepherd Dog Ch Elmo vom Huhnegrab

Group 2 - Samoyed Cib/Est/Fin/Lt/Lv/Rus Ch Pilgrimage Snow Ball

Group 3 - Australian Shepherd Ch/Dan/Now/Ger/Int Ch Thornapple Aftershock

Group 4 - Norwegian Buhund Nor/Lux/Nordv Ch Kimura's Jensemann

dogworld.tv talks to Caroline Kisko on day 2

2011-03-11T16:24:00.000+00:00

Chairman's introduction to Crufts 2011

2011-03-11T13:04:00.003+00:00

Kennel Club chairman Ronnie Irving welcomes the press to Crufts and outlines how the show is developing a growing international profile.

Flat-coated Retriever wins gundog group

2011-03-11T11:24:00.000+00:00

Gundog group - judge Ron James

Group 1 - Flat-coated Retriever Sh Ch Vbos The Kentuckian

Group 2 - Irish Water Spaniel Sh Ch Stanegate Sparks Will Fly

Group 3 - Cocker Spaniel Sh Ch Lujesa Touch The Sky

Group 4 - Golden Retriever Linirgor Mactavish

Friends for Life gather to launch Crufts

2011-03-02T10:15:00.003+00:00

DOGS WHO helped save lives in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake and the 7/7 London bombings, and those who have helped turn around the lives of people with life-limiting conditions are among the final five who will compete in the Friends for Life final at Crufts.
All five turned out for the official Crufts launch in London on Monday to publicise the competition, which has been running since 2006, and which features stories of friendship in adversity, where dogs have truly earned the title of man’s best friend through their bravery, support or companionship.
This year’s finalists are: assistance dog, Kaiser – a Golden Retriever/Poodle cross who was trained by Canine Partners. He helps owner Joanne Day of Shropshire cope with dystonia, a neurological disorder which causes severe muscle spasms. Kaiser gives her the confidence to leave the house and meet new people, and he helps with everyday tasks such as dressing her and picking things up.
Medical detection dog Shirley – a Labrador who detects low blood sugar levels in seven-year old Rebecca Farrar from Northampton who has aggressive type 1 diabetes. She is the UK’s first blood sugar detection dog to be allowed into a mainstream primary school. She performs the potentially life-saving task of detecting a possible hypoglycaemic attack which could leave Rebecca in a coma. Now, school is much less of a worry and Rebecca’s mother, Claire has had the fear taken out of night-times, as Shirley keeps a bedside vigil.
7/7 sniffer dog, Jake – the Cocker Spaniel and Metropolitan Police Dog who helped to keep people free from further harm after the 7/7 London bombings. With handler PC Bob Crawford he risked his life to search the bus wreckage at Tavistock Square and the mile-long route from Russell Square to the bomb-damaged train at Kings Cross, ensuring that the area was safe for paramedics and explosives officers.

Earthquake

Haiti earthquake dog, Echo – the Labrador and Search and Rescue Dog with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Dog service who was deployed to Haiti with handler Mike Dewar after the earthquake in January last year. Despite collapsing due to the searing heat and needing to be put on a drip, he returned to work to help rescue a young girl found under the wreckage of a kindergarten.
Support dog Merlin – the crossbreed who helps ten-year-old Grace Brown-Griffin from Kent. Grace is autistic and has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and before being partnered with Merlin found it difficult to concentrate or deal with stressful situations. Merlin won the Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year competition at Discover Dogs in November 2010.
“These dogs help to remind us what it is that makes the relationship between dog and man so very special,” said KC spokesman Caroline Kisko. “Each finalist has helped to change and save lives, and can teach us all a lesson about loyalty, companionship and bravery.”
Here is how to vote: for Joanne and Kaiser phone 0844 646 0201; Rebecca and Shirley 0844 646 0202; PC Bob Crawford and Jake 0844 646 0203; Mike Dewar and Echo 0844 646 0204; Grace and Merlin 0844 646 0205. Voting lines are open and the dog who the public thinks is the most deserving will be presented with the trophy in the main arena on the final evening of Crufts, and televised by More4.
Calls cost 5p from a BT land line. Other networks may vary and mobiles will cost considerably more. Voting closes at 7.30pm on March 13.

Shaun McAlpine award finalists announced

2011-03-02T09:44:00.003+00:00

THE 11 YOUNG Kennel Club (YKC) members who will compete at Crufts for the Shaun McAlpine award have been named.
They are Chloe Connell, Holly Fear, Rachel Lawson, Russell Marett, Alice Moodie, Megan Oliver, Laura Pedelty, Heather Rutherford, Jessica Thomas, Jessica Trotter and Megan Young. All of them dedicate their spare time to supporting, training and working with dogs.

Extra performances for the Southern Golden Retrievers

2011-03-02T09:41:00.002+00:00

THE SOUTHERN Golden Retriever Society Display Team will be performing in the main arena at Crufts once again this year.
In recognition of the fact that the team owes its existence to the Kennel Club’s Good Citizen Dog Scheme (GCDS), its members have offered to promote ‘training the KC way’ by staging extra performances.

'Give something back'

The team is a great supporter of the GCDS as all its members belonged to it. The group then grew into the popular team of 16 Golden Retrievers and their handlers which performs today.
“We enjoyed our GCDS training so much we decided to do something original together,” said team manager Karen Menter. “And we are delighted to have this opportunity to give something back to the scheme which brought us into being.
“It is a wonderful scheme which leads to responsible dog ownership, makes training fun for dog and owner and results in well-behaved family dogs. People can see that our dogs, who have their GCDS gold awards, are family pets having a good time.” The team performs on the Saturday and Sunday of Crufts in the main arena at 2.40pm and in the GCDS ring at 12.15pm on Saturday and 11.15am on Sunday.

Katie-Louise South has qualified for the YKC handling for the first time

2011-03-01T09:32:00.000+00:00

MY NAME is Katie-Louise South. I’ve been a member of the Junior Handling Association and the Young Kennel Club since I started showing at the age of 13. I show my liver spotted Dalmatian bitch Comfrey – Jabbawock The Ringleader. I qualified for the handling at Crufts for the first time in April last year at Isle of Wight Canine Association open show.

I took a deep breath and calmed myself then I took Comfrey in the ring to a class which I didn’t think I would win as there was some strong competition! The judge was Lynne Scott. However in the end I came out on top and Comfrey showed like a star! It didn’t sink in for ages that I was qualified for Crufts!

I had been trying for years to try and qualify but there is so much strong competition out there and I don’t show a lot compared to others but when I do show I am consistently placed at open and championship show level. I also won the junior handling 12-16 at Isle of Wight and then I took best overall handler. Words cannot describe how pleased I was to qualify. If I don’t get anything on the day of Crufts I will still be really chuffed that I got that far!

I will be showing in the 17-24 years class at Crufts as I have recently turned 17. I am feeling pretty nervous about it but I’m just going to put more effort into practising and see what happens.

Comfrey is Crufts qualified for life but we also have my dog Taylor (Dalendale Quiet Riot) qualified.

For Crufts I shall be wearing something that complements my dog – I usually wear a purple skirt suit but maybe for Crufts I’ll have a new colour! All will be revealed!

I have been coming to Crufts since I started showing at 13; I love Crufts and the environment there is truly amazing. I just love how people from all over the country and from foreign countries come and travel to do this one big show that happens once a year. It is also really nice to catch up with all my show friends who I rarely get to see. I love watching my breed in the ring and I love watching the handlers. Everyone is so neat and polished on the day.

When I was little I used to love going to Discover Dogs and meeting all the lovely different breeds out there. I shall be going to Crufts for just the Sunday (utility day) as it’s so far for me to travel so if anyone wanted a chat I’m sure I’ll be around the Dalmatian breed ring and in the YKC handling ring. Well done to everyone who has qualified and good luck to everyone showing in 2011!

KATIE-LOUISE SOUTH

Lisa Moir - judge for the Young Kennel Club handling at Crufts

2011-02-21T19:56:00.001+00:00

THE KENNEL Club envelope that landed on the doormat looked nothing out of the ordinary, until I took the letter out and it was like Christmas had come early! I was clutching an invitation from the Crufts committee to judge the YKC handling classes at Crufts 2011!

Once I had taken it in I called my mum to tell her the news and we squealed together! I then excitedly filled the response slip to say that yes I would be delighted and honoured to undertake the appointment.

Over the few months that followed I had to keep the appointment a secret until it was officially announced. I encountered a few juniors wondering who would be judging the handling at Crufts, I wanted to say I knew but had to keep it in! Once it had been announced I shared the news with my friends in the ‘dog world’ (many of them ex-junior handlers too) and they were thrilled for me. Being that Crufts is the greatest dog show in the world, the appointment for me is a huge honour and privilege and one which I will not undertake lightly.

In order to qualify for the YKC handling at Crufts, the juniors have to win a qualifying round held in the preceding year at general championship shows across the UK. I am entrusted with judging 12 classes over four days, assessing the handling skills of the competitors.

Handling is the term used to describe the skill and art of presenting a dog for assessment in the show ring. In a breed ring the dog is being judged against the Kennel Club breed Standard, whereas in handling competitions it is the competency and ability of the handlers which is being assessed.

I will be looking for handlers who show their dog off to its very best (just as they would in the breed ring) and those who stands out, while not detracting the attention from their dog. I expect all handlers to have their dog’s welfare at the forefront, so will be looking for a caring and sympathetic handling approach. It is also important for me that a handler presents themselves and their dog to a high standard and conducts in a manner which is kind, considerate and polite at all times.

I’m really excited about Crufts and having the opportunity to put the best handlers in the UK through their paces. Having been a competitor myself, I thoroughly appreciate the importance of the competition and the pressure the handlers are under. I expect I might feel the pressure too when judging the first class, but once I’m underway I’ll be fine, I will judge fairly and equally and do my best to enjoy the job in hand.

For my nine-year-old niece Sinead, my judging appointment hasn’t caused quite so much excitement, as having qualified on a few occasions, she will not be able to compete under me. However, she is really happy for me and said there is always next year.

To prepare for Crufts I need to organise outfits for the four days – if I expect handlers and their dogs to look their best, then it’s essential that I do too! I have yet to embark on this important shopping trip, but intend to be dressed very smartly and comfortably, as any judge should be.

Other than judging the handling, and a spot of shopping, I hope to find the time to handle my two German Spitz Mittel and a Samoyed for a friend, but if not then Sinead will take it in her stride and do a grand job I’m sure – hopefully that will make up for her not being able to compete in the handling!

For me Crufts is the pinnacle of the dog show calendar, it is what we all work towards throughout the year, so I hold it in the highest regard. It is a special show to many and I myself have been fortunate enough to enjoy success there having won my handling age group in the past and best of breed in 2000 with my German Spitz Mittel.

I wish all competitors the very best of luck. Remember to enjoy it, that’s the most important thing, and to borrow a quote from my friend Marina Scott “Win with pride, but lose with dignity”.
LISA MOIR

Lewis Fraser has qualified for the YKC handling

2011-02-16T09:01:00.001+00:00

WHEN I qualified for the Young Kennel Club handling final at Crufts it was an amazing feeling – pride, joy and most off all I was surprised. I never thought that I would get to the world’s largest dog show, Crufts. I had been to Crufts before but that was my dog that was being judged but now it’s me – I am the one that’s being judged.

I qualified at the Scottish Kennel Club‘s championship show in August 2010. Gavin Robertson was judging. I handled Maisie (Davricard Buddleia for Wyvisview). I was quite nervous before going into the ring as I knew she would be difficult to handle. She was really awkward to handle but I kept my cool! I think that this might have helped me qualify!

I couldn’t believe it when I came first, it was the last thing that I expected. There were eight other entries in the class. I had met most of them before at other handling competitions and I knew that they were very good handlers, so I never expected to beat them.

Although I qualified with Maisie, I will be handling her daughter, Aston (Wyvisview Volante) who my mum and I bred last year. There were three in her litter and we kept her as she was the prettiest one and also, like her mum, very mischievous! She was born on ‘hound day’ at last year’s Crufts and will be competing with me on her first birthday on hound day this year! I think that is a good first birthday present.

For the YKC final I will be wearing a new three-piece suit. I was thinking about wearing a kilt, but don’t want to scare Aston! I will also wear my ‘Fraser’ tartan tie which I wore when I qualified. Hopefully it will bring me luck.

I have been to Crufts before, in 2008. I competed in the breed class with Oscar (Misken Lewis at Wyvisview), our tan and white Beagle. We didn’t get placed but the atmosphere was amazing. I could tell it was no ordinary show and that only a certain standard of handler and dog could make it there.

My mum and I will be travelling from Inverness on March 11 and staying overnight, near the NEC. I will then be competing on March 12 and staying overnight on the 12th as we would like to watch the hound group.

I know that I will be really nervous before I go into the ring and step on the green carpet, but I’m sure I will really enjoy it too.
LEWIS FRASER

Overseas entries at an all-time high

2011-02-09T09:01:00.000+00:00

THE NUMBER of overseas entries at Crufts has reached an all-time high this year.

The total is 1,231, with first-time entries from Israel and Bermuda. The largest number comes from Ireland, followed by the Netherlands.

Last year’s total figure was 1,155; 2009 was 1,186; 2008 1,165; and 2007 951.

Ireland’s entry is 160, followed by Holland with 153, and 110 each from France and Italy.

Others are Russia 104; Germany 90; Belgium 76; Sweden 63; Denmark 52; Spain 42; Norway 39; Czech Republic 37; Finland 36; Poland 28; Hungary 24; Switzerland 22; US 19; Austria ten; Slovakia seven; Malta nine; Croatia and Slovenia five; Greece, Portugal, Romania and Ukraine four; Canada, Estonia, Latvia and Luxembourg two; and Belarus, Bermuda, Gibraltar, Israel, Lithuania and Mexico one each.

International nature

For the first time in five years there are no dogs from Japan.

Kennel Club spokesman Caroline Kisko said: “We are delighted to have attracted even more overseas competitors to Crufts 2011 than ever before. We believe that this once again demonstrates the truly international nature of the show and highlights the great esteem in which Crufts is held around the world.

“It is interesting to note that the number of Russian entries has broken the three figure mark for the first time on the back of the success of the Russian dog who took reserve best in show at last year’s event.

“We wish everyone a safe journey and look forward to welcoming all of the competitors, particularly those which will be representing Israel and Bermuda for the first time in the show’s 120-year history.”

Toni Jackson will be awarding the first set of Finnish Lapphund CCs at Crufts

2011-02-07T09:28:00.001+00:00

WHEN THE Kennel Club announced that Finnish Lapphunds were to be awarded challenge certificates from 2011, there was immediate excitement about the opportunities to show at this level and of course with Crufts being the first show to offer CCs this would be a very important show for the breed. The breed and exhibitors have progressed slowly through the classification system, first in the imported register then in 2002 achieving rare breed status, coming a long way since the first import by Sue and Roger Dunger in 1989.

I and I guess many others assumed that the Crufts committee would consider a Finnish judge for the breed’s first set of CCs and I said as much to Crufts chairman Gerald King when I bumped into him at a show after the CC announcement. He was very non-committal about the choice of judge but said the committee had a judge in mind and were in the process of sending out the invitation etc.

Having shown dogs for some 42 years, Crufts is definitely the big one for judges and exhibitors. I have attended most Crufts during this period and at the risk of sounding cheesy – it was the promise of being able to show one of my beloved Pyreneans at Crufts in 1973 which helped me get running again after I broke my leg in a bad road accident. So I was one who was definitely looking forward to showing my dogs at this prestigious event.

Well, you could have knocked me down with a feather a few weeks later when in July 2009 I received that special letter inviting me to judge the breed at Crufts 2011. Wow, what an honour and something I had never dreamed would be possible, especially given that I had already had the privilege to judge the breed at Crufts in 2005.

Once I got over my initial surprise, I sat down and thought long and hard about the appointment and ran my reservations passed family and close friends; while yes I would be delighted to judge the breed on such an important occasion and was thrilled by the Crufts committee's invitation and their recognition of how much the breed has meant to me over the years since 1992 when Echo joined my life, I was concerned for all the owners of Elbereth dogs bred by myself who had worked so hard to show their dogs to gain recognition for the breed and yet would now be denied the opportunity to show at this special show.

I knew how excited many of the owners of my breeding were about the opportunity to go to Crufts and the possibility of winning one of the CCs and yet could say nothing about my invitation. It was not a decision I could take lightly as it would affect the enjoyment of a large number of my friends – and of course if I did judge, then the entry for the breed would be reduced accordingly – as no Elbereth dog could compete! What to do? Well, after thinking on the matter for a few weeks I decided with help from my ‘advisers’ that it was a great honour and I would accept the appointment and so sent off the form. The Crufts committee ask judges to keep news of their appointment secret until it has been approved and published – not so easy when your friends are excited by their qualifications and you know they won’t be able to exhibit!

Once the appointment was official I did get ‘ribbed’ by some friends who were a little disappointed that they could not compete, but they were all very supportive of the appointment and said they will look forward to competing at the other shows. One other ‘casualty’ of my appointment is that my breeder’s team would not be able to compete for the prestigious breeders’ final even though they had qualified as KC rules state that you cannot judge and exhibit at a show – even if the team was made up of dogs not owned by me.

When some judges accept an appointment at Crufts they remove themselves from the show scene in the year before their appointment. I did not see this as being applicable in our breed as being quite a small pool of exhibitors I obviously know many of the exhibitors and certainly their dogs and anyway just because a judge is absent from the ring does not mean they do not know what wins at the shows, as this is well covered in the press and internet. Unfortunately one does see the not so nice side of exhibiting when you find yourself judging at this level. I have heard and read comments where people have tried to intimidate others not to enter under me, by suggesting the awards are already decided. As someone who has been judging dogs since 1986 I am more than capable of going to the show with an open mind and rest assured the winners will be selected on the day based on their merits in the ring on March 11 and not for any other reasons.

The KC advise judges to stay local to the show the night before the appointment – so especially as I am judging on the Friday I have booked into the Crufts hotel accommodation. That should guarantee I will be there on time and not caught in motorway traffic – how embarrassing would that be? Especially as being a CC breed we will be judged earlier in the day – spookily we are second in the ring after Pyrenean Mountain Dogs – my first CC breed and the breed of my childhood.

It will certainly feel odd preparing for the show without having to groom the dogs or look for an outfit that complements the dogs! So to the outfit – I feel a shopping trip coming on – hope my husband does not realise this could be an ‘expensive honour’. When judging you really do have to pay attention to the detail of the clothes you will be wearing – of course you will be on your feet for a number of hours and so comfortable foot wear is a must – plus you need to be safe. How awful for a lady judge to step with high heeled shoes on one of the exhibits rendering it lame!

For the outfit itself, skirt/dress or trousers, each to their own, but it needs to be comfortable in all those judging positions, bending down/crouching alongside the dogs, means some scope for movement and no risk of splitting a seam! Plus a big consideration – making sure that when you bend down not too much is revealed – after all it’s the dogs on display not the judge’s attributes!

On arrival at the hotel on Thursday evening I hope to dine with friends and fellow judges and enjoy the moment and anticipation of what is to come, then after a hearty breakfast I shall go to the venue. First I will need to check in with the organisers and collect the special challenge certificates (those famous green cards) from the office. The hours before you start judging can seem endless, of course it is not right and proper to go and chat with your fellow breed enthusiasts so I will have to busy myself looking at other breeds until I hear the Lapphunds called to ring 19. Then there will be the few moments of preparation with the two ring stewards, before the judging can start.

Am I nervous? Well not so much nervous as excited by the anticipation of what the day may bring. I am sure there will be a few butterflies as I take to the centre of the green carpet, but once I am surrounded by the dogs I love and start concentrating on the process I am sure the hours will fly by and all too soon it will be over, with history having been made and we will have our first challenge certificate winners.

Of course the BOB winner will then be taken to the group collecting ring – and I will be able to join my fellow judges from the day to sit in the judges’ stand and watch with pride my BOB compete in the pastoral group. Good luck to all I say, most importantly enjoy your day, I intend to; and remember whatever happens with the prizes, everyone will take the best dog home and that is how it should be!

TONI JACKSON

More4 returns to Crufts

2011-02-02T09:37:00.000+00:00

MORE4 is to provide TV coverage of Crufts again this year, with Clare Balding at the helm.

The channel is extending its coverage of the event to two hours every evening from March 10-13.

An updated version of the documentary Good Dog! Bad Dog! will be screened alongside Crufts coverage.

Last year’s Good Dog! Bad Dog!, which went out immediately after Crufts was over, looked at the issues and concerns surrounding dog welfare and best practice in dog breeding. It also considered the recommendations of the independent enquiry into breeding carried out by Professor Sir Patrick Bateson.

It is understood that the updated version of the documentary will examine the issues and concerns surrounding dog welfare, responsible dog ownership and best practice in dog breeding.

‘Extremely popular’

Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said the KC was working with the show’s producer.

More4’s head of documentaries, Hamish Mykura, said: “Crufts is an extremely popular event with a loyal audience that can now enjoy extended coverage on More4.

“As our coverage proved last year, we explore the issues surrounding dog welfare and will continue to use our coverage as a platform to encourage debate and an understanding of best practices.”

Presenter Clare Balding said: “I am looking forward to working with More4 again this year, and delighted to be back at Crufts. The mix of live programming from the ring and insightful interviews make it must-see TV for viewers.”

Mrs Kisko said: “Crufts is a celebration of the special relationship between man and dog and we are delighted that More4 will be bringing a fresh perspective to the event.

“Dog lovers will be able to enjoy all of the event’s highlights such as best in show, agility and the dog heroes competition Friends for Life. It is also an opportunity to explore the issues surrounding how to buy, breed, train and care for a dog responsibly, so that everybody involved in dogs can help them to lead healthy, happy lives.”

The TV coverage will be produced by Sunset + Vine, produced by Lucy Darke and directed by Daniel Hudson and Gerry Morrison.

Crufts entry shows less than average drop

2011-02-02T09:35:00.000+00:00

A TOTAL of 21,422 dogs will be competing at Crufts this year, a 2.4 per cent drop compared to 2010.

The Golden Retriever has the highest entry with 491 dogs and bitches taking part, taking the top spot from the Labrador after its entry dropped from 507 to 481.

Overall, the biggest increases in the number of dogs entered are Tibetan Terriers, up 59 from 138 to 197 dogs; Rhodesian Ridgebacks, up 47 from 160 to 207; Whippets, up 47 from 390 to 437; and French Bulldogs, up 40 from 126 to 166.

Proportionally, the breeds with the largest year-on-year increases for their breed include the German Pinscher, up 162.5 per cent, from eight to 21 dogs; the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, up 123 per cent from 26 to 58 dogs; and the Coton de Tulear, up 78.9 per cent from 19 to 34 dogs.

The Kennel Club points out that the greatest proportion of the fall in entry has come from among the traditionally-docked breeds. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 ruled that even legally-docked working dogs cannot be shown at events for which the public pay an entry fee. The only exemption was dogs who were docked before the legislation was brought in, and this is applying to fewer and fewer animals.

Among the breeds with the biggest numerical drops is the Boxer, down by 67 from 254 to 187; Cocker Spaniel, down by 48 from 394 to 346; Yorkshire Terrier, down 45 from 128 to 83; German Shorthaired Pointer, down 44 from 179 to 135; Rottweiler, down 43 from 315 to 272; and Dobermann, down 42 from 220 to 178. In total, 75 per cent of the overall fall in numbers between 2010 and 2011 come from the traditionally-docked breeds.

The number of entries is 24,108, which is down 1.7 per cent on 2010’s figure. The 2.4 per cent drop in dog numbers compares favourably to the average 3.5 per cent drop in dogs entered at general championship shows during 2010.

‘Essential part’

“The entry figures for this year’s event shows that Crufts continues to be an essential part of the canine calendar for dog lovers,” said KC spokesman Caroline Kisko. “The slight dip in numbers is largely down to the impact of the docking legislation which means that even legitimately-docked working dogs cannot be shown where there is a paying gate. However, the decrease is less than the average drop seen across all championship dog shows during the past 12 months, which fills us with a lot of confidence.

“This year is the 120th anniversary of Crufts and we would like to thank everybody for their continued loyal support and we look forward to welcoming them to the show. Once again, those who cannot make it to the NEC can watch the coverage live on More4 and we encourage people to join the KC on Twitter and Crufts on Facebook, so that they can share their memories with us and keep up to date with the latest news.”

The number of dogs from vulnerable native breeds has increased by 12.3 per cent, in line with a 5.2 per cent increase in the number of puppies registered with the KC between 2009 and 2010. The Deerhound, Irish Terrier and Manchester Terrier are among those breeds which will see an increase.

The individual breed entries are as follows: number of dogs, number of bitches, total number of dogs, total number of entries.

Bracco 23,28,51;54; Brittany 23,19,42;45; English Setter 107,113,220;229; GLP 9,10,19;23; GSP 67,68,135;166; GWP 16,28,44;53; Gordon 85,94,179;198; Vizsla 69,82,151;190; W/h Vizsla 36,48,84;104; Irish R/W Setter 38,50,88;99; Irish Setter 181,195,376;435; Spinone 69,88,157;174; Kooikerhondje 12,18,30;41; Large Munsterlander 31,53,84;96; Pointer 115,143,258;299; Chesapeake 22,36,58;64; C/c Retriever 41,41,82;100; F/c Retriever 166,189,355;418; Golden Retriever 231,260,491;601; Labrador 218,263,481;542; Duck Toller 52,69,121;150; Am Cocker 67,63,130;153; Clumber 34,44,78;93; Cocker 148,198,346;395; English Springer 68,75,143;168; Field 31,25,56;61; Irish Water Spaniel 23,29,52;63; Sussex 32,34,66;77; Welsh Springer 92,101,193;217; Spanish Water Dog 28,53,81;111; Weimaraner 76,99,175;199; Gamekeepers 70,93,163;249.

Malamute 78,84,162;188; Bernese 91,109,200;223; Bouvier 24,30,54;57; Boxer 90,97,187;197; Bullmastiff 59,66,125;130; Canadian Eskimo Dog 6,9,15;20; Dobermann 81,97,178;199; Dogue 58,74,132;140; Pinscher 6,15,21;23; Giant Schnauzer 27,38,65;65; Dane 82,80,162;176; Greenland 2,1,3;3; Hovawart 15,19,34;37; Leonberger 84,71,155;178; Mastiff 41,33,74;79; Neapolitan 20,19,39;40; Newfoundland 106,100,206;224; Portuguese Water Dog 26,24,50;52; Rottweiler 128,144,272;310; RBT 10,18,28;37; St Bernard 42,42,84;86; Siberian Husky 94,118,212;252; Tibetan Mastiff 23,19,42;50.

Anatolian 12,14,26;27; Aus Cattle Dog 15,22,37;41; Aus Shepherd 70,66,136;169; Bearded Collie 138,147,285;335; Groenendael 24,36,60;74; Laekenois 7,13,20;23; Malinois 17,16,33;38; Tervueren 24,52,76;86; Border Collie 192,204,396;472; Briard 42,47,89;101; Rough Collie 115,125,240;278; Smooth Collie 32,34,66;73; Estrela 9,10,19;22; Finnish Lapphund 28,33,61;69; GSD 66,74,140;166; Puli 15,16,31;34; Komondor 5,3,8;8; Lancashire Heeler 25,43,68;75; Maremma 2,9,11;12; Buhund 18,20,38;45; OES 45,56,101;112; Polish Lowland Sheepdog 23,26,49;51; Pyrenean 36,40,76;90; Pyrenean Sheepdog 7,12,19;23; Samoyed 88,88,176;191; Shetland Sheepdog 162,159,321;383; Vallhund 25,32,57;59; Cardigan Corgi 37,39,76;86; Pem Corgi 59,74,133;158; Obedience Bitch 21,21;21.

Airedale 30,51,81;94; Australian T 12,22,34;35; Bedlington 40,57,97;101; Border T 116,138,254;306; Bull T 23,33,56;58; Min Bull T 21,33,54;57; Cairn 62,84,146;159; Cesky 21,23,44;48; Dandie 16,21,37;48; SFT 35,39,74;81; WFT 30,28,58;59; Glen of Imaal 20,13,33;36; Irish T 22,34,56;70; Kerry Blue 21,38,59;60; Lakeland 12,25,37;39; Manchester 34,40,74;87; Norfolk 33,53,86;95; Norwich 24,28,52;56; PRT 65,67,132;144; Scottish T 43,48,91;97; Sealyham 19,20,39;43; Skye 24,22,46;52; SCWT 49,72,121;131; Stafford 160,168,328;386; Welsh T 14,17,31;34; WHWT 53,62,115;119.

Afghan 148,133,281;295; Basenji 29,32,61;63; Fauve 21,26,47;49; GBGV 12,20,32;35; PBGV 38,36,74;81; Basset 66,90,156;167; Beagle 109,138,247;296; Bloodhound 14,13,27;27; Borzoi 34,46,80;83; L/h Dachs 57,51,108;114; Min L/h Dachs 79,92,171;182; S/h Dachs 37,34,71;75; Min S/h Dachs 55,74,129;145; W/h Dachs 41,59,100;110; Min W/h Dachs 55,64,119;131; Deerhound 54,86,140;150; Finnish Spitz 18,16,34;35; Foxhound 3,4,7;7; Greyhound 38,40,78;88; Hamiltonstövare 5,11,16;16; Ibizan 9,13,22;23; Wolfhound 46,69,115;124; Elkhound 28,31,59;65; Otterhound 18,17,35;39; Pharaoh 25,27,52;55; Podengo 27,31,58;64; Ridgeback 97,110,207;230; Saluki 67,57,124;142; Sloughi 5,5,10;13; Whippet 207,230,437;518; Obedience Dog 25,25;25.

Affenpinscher 39,33,72;85; Aus Silky 12,13,25;26; Bichon 51,65,116;120; Bolognese 17,21,38;39; Cavalier 152,169,321;360; L/c Chihuahua 102,123,225;244; S/c Chihuahua 54,67,121;133; Chinese Crested 99,89,188;217; Coton 13,21,34;36; ETT 19,35,54;55; Griffon 38,49,87;95; Havanese 31,37,68;72; It Greyhound 37,53,90;98; Japanese Chin 58,51,109;117; King Charles 58,61,119;129; Lowchen 25,17,42;44; Maltese 34,28,62;67; Min Pin 47,60,107;120; Papillon 151,129,280;320; Pekingese 48,43,91;101; Pomeranian 74,77,151;167; Pug 130,143,273;284; Yorkshire T 40,43,83;87.

Akita 69,87,156;165; Boston 37,50,87;91; Bulldog 105,133,238;250; Canaan 7,9,16;17; Chow 45,44,89;98; Dalmatian 76,112,188;203; French Bulldog 76,90,166;176; German Spitz Klein 43,42,85;97; German Spitz Mittel 34,34,68;75; Japanese Akita Inu 11,15,26;28; Shiba 52,63,115;126; Japanese Spitz 41,47,88;93; Keeshond 39,48,87;90; Lhasa 79,88,167;184; Min Schnauzer 79,75,154;166; Min Poodle 49,57,106;112; Std Poodle 68,99,167;189; Toy Poodle 45,72,117;125; Schipperke 35,32,67;72; Schnauzer 28,36,64;72; Shar Pei 28,57,85;90; Shih Tzu 88,99,187;200; Tibetan Spaniel 98,88,186;205; Tibetan T 85,112,197;226.

dfs Crufts 2011

2011-01-06T16:11:00.000+00:00

dfs Crufts 2011 dates are 10 - 13 March 2011 at the NEC, Birmingham.

Tickets are available now at www.crufts.org.uk