Canine Chronicle Blog: Crufts!

Photo By Lisa Croft-Elliott

By Cheslie Pickett

I embarked on my first-ever trip to Crufts on Monday evening, arriving in London first thing on Tuesday morning. This show is certainly a “bucket list” item for most dog show folks, so I am thrilled to be making this trip! After practically getting a full night’s rest on the plane on Monday night, we were able to spend Tuesday familiarizing ourselves with the city of London.

We were lucky to be invited by our friend, Cesar Cortes, to tour The Kennel Club’s executive office and headquarters on Tuesday. Cesar is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel exhibitor, Judge, and Kennel Club member. The office was beautiful, displaying many pieces of gorgeous canine art, complete with a fine art gallery and historical library. Although photographs were not permitted, the building included executive meeting rooms, a dining hall and lounge in addition to the art gallery and library.  We also enjoyed a tasty lunch at the Kennel Club’s formal dining hall. London had received an out of the ordinary amount of snowfall the previous week, resulting in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel National Specialty to be rescheduled. The show was rescheduled for this Wednesday. Cesar headed back to work, and then home to prepare for the National show, while we headed out to explore the city.

In the past two days, we have had fun being tourists in London. We have shopped at many local boutiques, and also the London staples – Harrods and Selfridges. We also toured Buckingham Palace, The Royal Mews, went to the theatre and even indulged in Afternoon Tea and Fish and Chips!

Tomorrow is the first day of Crufts, which will include the judging of the Working and Pastoral Breeds and Groups. Topping the Working Breed entries are Boxers (233), Bernese Mountain Dogs (223) and Newfoundlands (193). Topping the Pastoral Breed entries are Border Collies (431), Bearded Collies (326), and Shetland Sheepdogs (307). Mr. Dave Killilea will judge the Working Group, while Mrs. Meg Purnell-Carptenter will judge the Pastoral Group.

Interestingly, a few of the Best of Breed winners of the Working Breeds that will be judged tomorrow must pass examination by the Show’s official Veterinary Surgeon before competing in the group. The Kennel Club states that they are “committed to the health and welfare of dogs and to ensuring that healthy dogs are being exhibited and thereby given awards at shows”. All Breeds on the Kennel Club’s Category 3 list must pass examination before showing in the group. These breeds include Bloodhounds, Bulldogs, Dogue de Bordeaux, German Shepherd Dogs, Mastiffs, Neapolitan Mastiffs, Pekingese, Pugs and St Bernards.

Although tomorrow is the first day of Crufts, our first day of attendance will be Friday. Check www.caninechronicle.comfor Breed and Group Results each day. We will do our best to keep you informed with results, photos, and videos after our visit to the show on Friday and Saturday!

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Posted by chesliepickett on Mar 8 2018. Filed under Blog Post, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the
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