Set sail to Crufts 2008
With even more entries than in 2007, Crufts has yet again secured its place as the world’s largest dog show.
A total of 22,964 dogs, including a number of top dogs from the north of Ireland, will compete for the prestigious title of Best in Show at the Birimingham based show.
With entries up by over 600 from last year and overseas entries also increasing dramatically, the event just keeps growing.
Over the four days of the show from 6 to 9 March, the seven different pedigree dog groups are shown with a Best in Group winner chosen.
These Best in Group winners go on to compete in the grand finale on the last evening of the show for the ultimate title of Best in Show, succeeding Tibetan terrier Fabulous Willy.
In addition to this world class contest, several other canine competitions are set to take place, including the Obedience World Cup, agility and heelwork to music competitions.
Dog lovers and prospective owners will also get the chance to get up close and personal with 190 breeds of potential pedigree partners in the Discover Dogs area, where they can get expert guidance from handlers who will help them to find their own perfect match.
Recent puppy registration figures released by the Kennel Club highlighted the worryingly low numbers of certain British and Irish breeds. Crufts entry figures show that only six per cent of the dogs attending the event are from those 23 breeds listed as being vulnerable.
Crufts provides an ideal opportunity to get to know breeds such as the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the Smooth Collie and the Irish Red and White Setter and many others that are sometimes overlooked when someone is thinking of getting a new dog.
“This event just keeps getting bigger and bigger and with over 150,000 visitors attending last year, we are preparing for another record breaking show,” says Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary.
“The low numbers of vulnerable breeds is, sadly, expected. We hope that an occasion as big as Crufts will help highlight just how important it is to ensure we don’t lose these beautiful breeds,’’ she says.
Visitors will be spoilt for choice with nearly 500 trade stands, offering everything that you and your dog could possibly wish for.
At the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme, visitors can watch fantastic displays as well as learn more about the joys of responsible dog ownership.
The Dog Activities Ring will feature demonstrations and info on getting your dog involved in activities such as working trials, agility and flyball.
The Young Kennel Club Ring will be fun, fast and frantic with lots of competition between 6-24 year old handlers.
Irish visitors can set sail from Belfast or Dublin to Liverpool (Birkenhead) and book online and take advantage of fantastic web-fares starting from £65 / £95 for a car and driver. Pack your car with no need to worry about being charged for extra baggage. You and your dog can then set sail to Crufts with Norfolkline Irish Sea who welcome dogs onboard. Once onboard, there are kennels your pet can stay in, these are on a first come first served basis.
Once your dog is settled, you can enjoy Norfolkline’s excellent onboard facilities, watch the latest movie releases in the cinema, enjoy a coffee in the bar or relax in one of the fully equipped en-suite cabins.
• For further information and tickets for Crufts, visit www.crufts.org.uk