Sunday, March 8, 2009

Crufts 2009 best in show winner interview

Best in show

Best in show was the Sealyham Terrier Am/Can/Sw Ch Efbe's Hidalgo at Goodspice

photo Johnson

Reserve best in show

Reserve best in show was the Standard Poodle Ch/Am Ch Afterglow The Big Tease.

photo Johnson

Dog World staff interview

Crufts 09 Steve Dean interview

Crufts 09 Moray Armstrong interview

Crufts 09 Jeff Sampson interview

Crufts 09 visitors, exhibitors and staff interviews

Crufts 2009 pastoral group winner interview

Pastoral group winner

Pastoral group winner was the Old English Sheepdog Am Ch Villas Cruella at Dizzny.

Group 2 - Pembroke Corgi Ch Riverside Wicked Wonderful
Group 3 - Hungarian Puli Int/Dk/Lux Bubbleton Birthday Bijou
Group 4 - Border Collie Ir Ch Tonkory Move Over to Huntly

photo Johnson

Read the full pastoral group report »

Crufts 2009 working group winner interview

Working group winner

Working group winner was the Boxer Ch Winuwuk Lust At First Sight.

Group 2 - Rottweiler Ch/Am Ch Briaroaks Chili Fantasa
Group 3 - Tibetan Mastiff Sierras' Yogananda
Group 4 - Dobermann Ch Amazon Cold Play

photo Johnson

Read the full working group report »

Dog World's Chrissy Smith talks to the protestors

Caroline Kisko talks to Dog World (Day 4)

Ban cruelty at Crufts say protestors outside NEC

PROTESTORS arrived at Crufts at 10am today bearing banners and signs and wearing animal masks.
About 12 had gathered ten minutes later, but Dave from Nottingham said there would be a total of 30 by mid morning.
They secured signs to railings bearing statements on the health of certain breeds, although the some of the sentiments lost credence thanks to poor spelling. Cavalier was Cavaliar but, strangely, syringomyelia was correct. Trying to spell the clinical term for bloat was also beyond them, as was respiratory. The Bloodhound and the Bulldog were among other breeds mentioned.
Those present promised a peaceful protest with, they said, no attempt to get into the halls. There were far more police officers in evidence than the other three days of the show, apparently tipped off that the demonstrators would arrive between 10am and 11am. Just inside the main doors a sniffer dog was working a line of cases and bags.
Dave and Sheryl said they belonged to an animal rights coalition.
“We are peaceful people but we’re here because of dog cruelty,” Dave said. “We’re going to put up silly signs because that’s the best way to get our message across.”
One of those signs read, ‘The Kennel Club is Darwin’s nightmare’.
“People should stop breeding dogs, because it just means they all go into shelters where they are put down,” Dave said.
“It wasn’t just the documentary (Pedigree Dogs Exposed) that made me come here. We’ve been unhappy about the situation for a long time. Dogs are not fit for the function they are meant to do. All the Kennel Club is doing is scoring Brownie points. They’re not making any real changes.”
Does Dave have a dog? “No, my family are allergic,” he said.

Dog World's Anne-Marie Jordan finds out what the public thinks of Crufts

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Crufts 2009 gundog group winner interview

Gundog group winner

Gundog group winner was the Hungarian Vizsla Sh Ch/Aus Ch Hungargunn Bear Itn Mind.

Group 2 - Weimaraner Sh Ch Ansona Gamekeeper at Aarranz
Group 3 - English Springer Trimere Talking Point of Allenie
Group 4 - German Wirehaired Pointer Ch Freddy vom Kappellenhof at Bareve

photo Dalrymple

Read the full gundog group report »

Caroline Kisko talks to Dog World (Day 3)

Pets As Therapy at Crufts 2009

Pekingese exhibit referred to vet under new KC health rules

THE FIRST dog at Crufts to be referred to a vet for a health check before being allowed to continue competing was the Pekingese from the US, Am Ch Franshaw Hear Me Roar, who won BOB.
Under the Kennel Club’s new health rules, judges and stewards have been told to look out for signs of illness and distress and report them.
In addition, Crufts vets have also been instructed to examine every BOB of the 14 so-called ‘at risk’ breeds, which include the Pekingese, Bulldog, French Bulldog, Clumber, Pug, Neapolitan Mastiff and Dogue de Bordeaux.
“So far, none of the BOBs have had any health problems at all,” said Crufts vet Andreas Schemel on Sunday morning. “But there are observers and all the BOBs are checked so only healthy dogs are in the big ring.”
Reports suggested that a steward became concerned about the Peke’s breathing, so the dog was brought to the veterinary centre where he was examined by Crufts chief vet Steve Dean.
“We looked at all the dog’s parameters – things such as heart rate – and all the clinical signs appeared normal,” Mr Dean said. “The breathing was a bit noisy, but not badly. He was just a bit warm and panting.
“You have to understand that the steward was looking from the ringside and not examining the dog. Nevertheless he was sufficiently concerned that he wanted a vet’s opinion.
“I checked the dog again in the collecting ring before the group and he was fine, so I allowed him to go forward into the ring and he performed quite satisfactorily. In future my plan is to be in the collecting ring all the time to deal with any concerns.”
The Peke, who was handled by Hiram Stewart, was shortlisted but did not win a group placing.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Crufts 2009 toy group winner interview

Toy group winner

Toy group winner was the Papillon Queen Bless JP Royal Connection

Group 2 - Maltese Ch Benatone Gold Ring
Group 3 - Chinese Crested Ch/Int/Sw Ch Prefix Really Something
Group 4 - Pomeranian Dan/Lux Ch Soffie's Queen Bee

photo Dalrymple

Read the full toy group report »

Crufts 2009 utility group winner interview

Utility group winner

Utility group winner was the Standard Poodle Ch/Am Ch Afterglow The Big Tease

Group 2 - Dalmatian Ch Dvojica Voodoo
Group 3 - Lhasa Apso Damjoz First Edition
Group 4 - Tibetan Terrier Ch Schanti's Sonny Lamleh at Walkamile

photo Johnson

Read the full utility group report »

Kidderminster Kudos

Fish 4 Dogs, sponsors of the Kidderminster Dog Club, were celebrating the fact that the team reached the grand finals of the medium team agility today (Friday).
Having qualified for Crufts the team won through to the grand final reaching fourth overall from the eight teams competing.
Handlers, Stuart Milton, Nicola Garrett, Heidi Windheuser and Nik Fowler, couldn't be more proud of their dogs, Jodie, Tiegan, Code and Wispa and the hardwork they have put in.
Kirstin Taylor from Fish 4 Dogs said the company was immensely proud of the team's achievements here at Crufts.

Caroline Kisko talks to Dog World

Genetics Centre will allow new approach to breeding

THE ERADICATION of inherited disease in dogs took a huge step forward at Crufts with the launch of a new canine genetics centre.
The centre, which will be the result of a collaboration between the Kennel Club and the Animal Health Trust (AHT), will accelerate research into inherited canine disease.
It aims to create further diagnostic tests which, together with breeding advice, will improve the health and welfare of generations of dogs.
“Due to the small gene pool in purebred dogs, inherited diseases resulting from single gene mutations are more likely to occur than in their crossbred cousins,” said a spokesman for the AHT.
“There are more than five million purebred dogs in the UK alone and many of these will benefit from the findings of the genetics centre.”
Over the next five years, the centre aims to investigate 25 inherited diseases. It will develop, where possible, screening tests to determine affected and carrier dogs. The tests will be performed by means of mouth swabs. In deciding which diseases to investigate, the KC/AHT team will look at their impact on the health and welfare of dogs and on the support of breeders and access to data and samples.
The AHT’s chief executive, Dr Peter Webbon, said: “We’re delighted to work in partnership with the KC on this important welfare issue. Our level of skill and expertise within this field is unparalleled and the new centre enables us to extend our current range of DNA tests.
“We hope, in time, this will equip breeders with essential information so they can plan successful breeding strategies to avoid the birth of affected dogs and, ultimately, to eliminate disease from breeds at risk.”
Dr Cathryn Mellersh and Dr Sarah Blott, two of the AHT’s genetics experts, will lead the centre. Both have been fundamental in identifying defective genes and developing screening tests which identify a dog’s genetic status and minimise the risk of producing affected puppies.
The centre will also introduce a new approach to breeding. One major advance will be estimated breeding values (EBVs), which will enable whole dog populations to be evaluated for inherited disease – even if individuals have been scanned or DNA-tested themselves.
KC spokesman Caroline Kisko said: “We are pleased to support research which improves the health and happiness of dogs. Working with the AHT means we can start to tackle the problem of inherited disease much quicker.
“We have already made significant investment in this area and are now delighted to step up the scope of this research. It is a very real possibility that through this centre we will be able to eradicate certain inherited diseases in some dogs.”

Well Balanced Pup at Crufts 2009

No sign of protesters but man dies on first day of Crufts

THERE was police presence outside Crufts for the entire first day in the shape of either one or two large vans.
Despite numerous rumours of a small gathering of protesters and vandalism on cars and property, this was not substantiated and the only definite action was animal rights activists handing out leaflets in the car parks.
Sunday may be the day that those who want to vent their fears on the state of pedigree dogs’ health arrive in force. If they make themselves known they will have to stay outside the NEC, but this does not preclude them buying a ticket like everyone else and gaining access to the halls.
One of Crufts three major sponsors, Eukanuba, which has historically been the subject of protests from groups such as Uncaged, denied suggestions that they had hired extra security staff despite the fact that DW was told by a reliable source that the company was ‘nervous’.
A spokesman for Eukanuba, which belongs to the Procter and Gamble group, said: “Like everyone we want to make sure people can enjoy the show without any interruptions.
“We have security people all over the place but no extra ones. They are members of staff from Procter and Gamble who advise us on security. If something kicks off we need to be prepared and to advise people. Our P & G people are experts on security.”
Tragedy struck on the first day when a man collapsed in the halls and was pronounced dead in hospital. It is understood that he was the husband of a Border Terrier exhibitor.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Crufts 2009 hound group winner interview

Hound group winner

Hound group winner was the Pharaoh Hound Int Ch Northgate's As You Like It.

Group 2 - Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Ch Soletrader My Aphrodisiac
Group 3 - Whippet Ch Courthill Cast A Shadow
Group 4 - Min S/h Dachshund Ch/Am/Can Ch Grandgables Ms Supernatural at Carpaccio

photo Dalrymple

Read the full hound group report »

Crufts 2009 terrier group winner interview

Terrier group winner

Terrier group winner was the Sealyham Terrier Am/Can/Sw Ch Efbe's Hidalgo at Goodspice.

Group 2 - Scottish Terrier
Am Ch Round Town Mercedes of Maryscot
Group 3 - Norwich Terrier Ch Ragus Rings True
Group 4 - Irish Terrier Ch Brazan Seghill

photo Dalrymple


Read the full terrier group report »

Dog World's Richard Curtis gives a heelwork to music demonstration

Kennel Club Charitable Trust Auction

Discover Dogs welcomes the Queen’s Corgis

THE QUEEN’S Corgis were at Crufts this year – not Elizabeth II’s but those from the 2005 film starring Helen Mirren.
They belong to breeder and exhibitor Liz Smith (Pembreeze) who was manning the Pembroke Corgi booth at Discover Dogs and is showing two of them on Sunday.
The canine actors are nine-year-old P Miss Ziggy and her five-year-old offspring P Daisy Boo, P Passion, and P Anne Marie.
Mrs Smith explained that the film’s director had wanted Corgis who had taken part in obedience.
“They approached me at a show and I agreed to be in the film,” she said. “To prepare, I taught the dogs to walk with anyone I asked them to. I would touch Helen on the shoulder and say, ‘Go with’, and they would walk with her.
“We spent three weeks filming in Scotland, near Balmoral. We didn’t make a lot of money but it was good fun. A lot of hard work, though. I was in a top-floor hotel room with six dogs. After climbing all the stairs each time I could only take two dogs out at a time to answer calls of nature.
“ Being in the film did a lot of good for the breed. Helen was very complimentary about the dogs – she loved them – and we sat on set talking for ages. She’s very down to earth.”
After filming completed, Mrs Smith appeared on The One Show, and won the inaugural Fido Film Awards, which are presented to the owner of the most appealing screen dogs.

Pooch and Mutt at Crufts 2009



Visit www.poochandmutt.co.uk

Ronnie Irving launches Crufts 2009

KC and AHT to fund new genetics centre

THE KENNEL Club Charitable Trust and the Animal Health Trust (AHT) are to jointly fund a genetics centre.
The centre will be at situated the AHT in Newmarket, and will specialise in the development of techniques and tests such as DNA tests and ‘estimated breeding value techniques’, which determine how suitable a dog is to use as breeding stock.
Speaking on the opening day of Crufts, KC chairman Ronnie Irving described the move as ‘a new initiative of co-operation’. He said the latest scientific advices would provide breeders of pedigree dogs with the tools to combat diseases known to have a high degree of heritability.
“We believe this is an important new initiative and unique step in the future interest of pedigree dogs,” he said.
The media gathered to hear him and secretary Caroline Kisko speak were told that this year exhibitors might be less likely to want to speak to reporters.
“They may even be hostile and less than helpful,” Mrs Kisko said. “But at the moment they do feel a bit got at.”
The KC has advised people that if they are approached by any members of the national media they should refer questions to KC staff who can then put the reporters in touch with breed spokesmen. This follows new media interest in the hobby since the programme Pedigree Dogs Exposed.
Mr Irving welcomed everyone present to Crufts, what he described as a celebration of happy, healthy dogs.
“We’re here to tell you the truth about all the hard work being done by so many people to improve the health and welfare of dogs,” he said. “And I hope that, while you are here, you will learn a thing or two about how much we really do care about our dogs – pedigree dogs in particular.”
In fact, he said, reports of Crufts demise had been ‘greatly exaggerated’ and were not true. This year’s show has attracted the third highest entry in its 119-year history, with 28,000 dogs. There would be around 28,000 dogs competing for best in show.
“The simple truth is that the vast majority of these dogs are perfectly fit and healthy,” he said. “Only those who are will succeed at this show. The judges have all been briefed to remind them that the health of the dogs should be their primary concern when assessing each dog in the show, and there will be monitoring in place to ensure that this is carried out.
“The judges are fully aware of their obligation not to reward, and if necessary to remove from the ring, any dog they deem to be unsound, and a clear procedure is in place should this need arise.”
The KC believes that changes to breeds cannot happen overnight, and that it was breeders and judges who would in the show ring and help bring about the fastest, most positive change where that happens to be needed.
“Crufts is just one of over 3,300 shows in this country licensed by the KC each year, so the scope for promoting and rewarding healthy dogs at the 60-plus such shows a week held throughout the year, is enormous.”
But Crufts offered a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on the good work being done, he said, and there was a new health stand in hall 3 where AHT and KC experts and those involved in the KC/British Veterinary Association canine health schemes, would be present to talk to all dog enthusiasts about our various health initiatives and a whole range of dog health topics to help them ensure that their dogs’ lives are as healthy as possible.
Although a few large animal charities are not at Crufts this year, many are, Mr Irving said.
“We are glad that they have chosen to stand shoulder to shoulder with us in looking at ways to improve the health and welfare of dogs. In our view it is,” he said. “It’s absolutely essential that those organisations and individuals that really do care about dog health and welfare and want to make a difference take a stand at Crufts.”
He thanked those who had travelled from overseas to be there despite the current economic climate. There is a record entry of overseas competitors this year, with 1,186 dogs attending from 34 different countries.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Eukanuba's Richard Learwood talks to Dog World

Hear Eukanuba's global marketing director Richard Learwood talking about the Eukanuba World Challenge.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Young Dog Owner's Dreams to be Realised at Crufts

On Sunday 8th March at Crufts, three Young Kennel Club (YKC) members will be presented with the Shaun McAlpine award, the highest level of achievement for young dog owners.

For the last 20 years, Ed and Cindy McAlpine have presented the Shaun McAlpine Trophy and awards at Crufts at the NEC, Birmingham, in memory of their son Shaun who was tragically killed in a road accident two weeks after his 22nd birthday in November 1984.

The trophy is awarded annually to encourage young dog owners to become more involved in dog activities, as Shaun himself had achieved considerable success with his Great Dane, Ch Dicarl Tendellie, and also acquired a reputation as a talented dog handler.

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/2309/pg_dtl_art_news/pg_hdr_art/pg_ftr_art

Obedience Rewarded at Crufts with the Rebecca Pointer Memorial Award

On Friday 6th March at Crufts, the Kennel Club will be presenting Young Kennel Club members who have been placed first through sixth on the Rebecca Pointer Memorial Award 2008.

The Rebecca Pointer competition runs annually for Young Kennel Club (YKC) members aged 8-18 years. The trophy is presented each year at Crufts to the YKC member who has achieved the most with their dog in the wonderful world of obedience. The presentation provides the winners with a big chance to receive the recognition that both the members and dogs deserve for working so hard at obedience shows all year. Points are given for wins and places to sixth at YKC events and classes, Companion, Limited, Open and Championship shows. This is an amazing achievement and the award can only be won once by a YKC member.

The YKC management team would like to announce and congratulate the overall winner for 2008, Daniel Thompson and his Working Sheepdog, Mills on Wheels. Daniel, who is aged seventeen years old, and his three year old bitch, Millie, qualified for Crufts 2008 in YKC obedience and they are both delighted to have won the award.

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/2307/pg_dtl_art_news/pg_hdr_art/pg_ftr_art