Exhibiting at Crufts

When the general public are asked about the 'dog show world',  their sole knowledge of the subject would be connected to just one show - Crufts.

Everybody has heard of Crufts because it is the largest and most famous dog show in the whole world. If you are a dog show judge from anywhere in the world, the greatest honour of all is to be invited to judge at Crufts.

In order to be able to show your dog at Crufts, he must have qualified at a Championship Show earlier that year by winning 1st, 2nd or 3rd in set classes. This procedure ensures that only dogs of good quality will represent their breed at Crufts. Rare breeds of small numbers will not have their own classes at Crufts - they will be grouped together in a 'not separately classified' class. Breeds have a range of classes for bitches and the same for dogs. Some classes are for 'novice', meaning that they have previously won less than other, more experienced dogs. Some classes are 'open' meaning that all qualified dogs of the breed can enter however much winning they have done previously. There are many other classifications of classes.

The Open Class will probably contain all the best dogs from each breed. After each class is judged, all unbeaten dogs will compete together, as will all unbeaten bitches. Eventually the Best Dog and Best Bitch will compete for Best of Breed. When it comes to show dogs, breeds fit into seven groups. If you are interested in a particular breed, you must visit Crufts on the appropriate day. Toy and utility will be judged on Thursday, gundogs on Friday, working and pastoral on Saturday, and terrier and hound on Sunday.

At Crufts each chosen Best of Breed will go on to represent their breed in the big ring and compete for Best in Group. Eventually seven top dogs (one from each group) are chosen and they finally get together on the last day to compete for Best In Show at Crufts - the top dog title in the world!

A Championship Show is where Challenge Certificates (CCs) are awarded to best dog and best bitch in each breed. Only certain judges are permitted (by The Kennel Club) to award CCs. If a dog is able to win three CCs under different judges, he becomes a Champion. On average, in popular breeds, there are about 25-30 sets of CCs awarded each year. In less popular breeds it can be as low as only six sets a year. One dog may win many certificates in a year thereby stopping other dogs from becoming Champions. So, as you can see, it is quite a feat to make up a Champion. It is customary for owners of Champions who have won many CC, to retire from showing to give 'up and coming' dogs a chance. However, this is not always the case and some Champions continue to be campaigned weekend after weekend.

For the vast majority of people who show dogs it is quite a serious hobby, taking up most of their spare time and a great deal of dedication. 

If you decide to show your dog, it is not simply a matter of putting on a pretty collar and lead and walking up and down on a piece of carpet to collect a first prize. In fact, a great deal of work and preparation must go in before even the first show. In order to enter your dog at an Open or Championship show, he must be Kennel Club (KC) registered. This is usually carried out by the breeder, if they think the puppy will make the grade for showing. When you buy your puppy the KC registration will have to be transferred to your name from the breeder. No dog is shown at a Kennel Club show before six months of age. Most owners enter their dog in the first suitable show after their six-month birthday. However, the preparation starts well before that.

When a potential 'show dog' is bred, much planning by the breeder has produced a puppy with the correct temperament for the breed, as well as height, length of muzzle, shape of eye, coat type, movement, the list goes on. Once it is decided that the puppy has show potential, even more time and effort is involved in training and socialising, grooming and conditioning the coat, and feeding and exercising to produce good muscle and correct weight.

There are many hurdles to tackle before a show dog is ready to walk into the ring for the first time. Only a small percentage of dogs have the correct genetic make-up, temperament and training to make a show dog. When the potential show dog has been identified, the real hard work begins.

The show puppy must be educated and socialised to be well adjusted and confident in all situations. The puppy must be correctly fed and nurtured into its role as a performing 'show dog' that simply attracts the judge's eye and demands attention. The correct balance of exercise is vital for a show dog to produce optimum weight and muscle tone. The show dog must be trained to accept everybody who approaches him. He must accept being touched and felt all over by a total stranger. Many show dogs are taken to ring-craft classes from an early age. At these classes the dogs are able to get used to other dogs and different people, and the procedures of a dog show.

The majority of breeds were originally used for a purpose, be it to catch and kill rodents, as a companion, to hunt or point (gundog) or to work (sheepdog). When a judge makes his choice, he has many factors to consider. The Kennel Club produces a breed standard in conjunction with the individual breed clubs and this provides the 'marking points' that decided which is the best dog in the ring on the day. If a judge finds he has several 'perfect' dogs (no faults, exactly as the breed standard), he must then choose on character, presence and charisma. This situation does arise, particularly at Crufts, because the best dogs in the country are all together in one place! Soon, with the relaxation of the quarantine laws, dogs from other European countries will also be able to qualify for Crufts.

Prior to a dog appearing in the ring at Crufts, months will have been spent traveling up and down the country to shows as well as many evenings at ring-training classes. Hours will have been spent exercising the dog, as well as grooming and conditioning the dog's coat. There is no doubt that showing a dog has its rewards (sometimes), but along with those moments of glory come plenty of heartaches and a great deal of time and expense. But, once hooked, many people have just one mission - not just to show their dog at Crufts, but to be awarded the Best in Show!

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