Your Pets Daily - Crufts 2024

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Portrait of Orca, 2023 Best in Show winner, presented at Crufts 2024

Your Pets Daily Editor — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000

A portrait of last year's Crufts Best in Show winner, Am GCh Kan Trace Very Cheeky Chic, a Lagotto Romagnolo, known at home as Orca, was unveiled at Crufts 2024 on Friday 8 March in the Resorts World Arena at the NEC, Birmingham.

Artist Anne Zoutsos presented the painting to Crufts Chairman, Tom Mather, in front of thousands of spectators in the arena. Anne and Tom were joined for the presentation by the proud owners of Orca, Sabina Zdunić Šinković and Ante Lucin, alongside Javier Gonzalez Mendikote who handled Orca in the Best in Show final.

Following the presentation, Sabina and Ante took home the original portrait and a limited-edition print was transported to London to become part of The Kennel Club Art Collection and will soon be on display.

Anne Zoutsos is a full-time artist and has painted professionally for over 30 years. Anne is based in Guildford, Surrey and her work, including paintings of wild animals and dog portraiture, can be found in collections all over the world.

Speaking after the presentation, Anne said: "It was a huge honour to be asked to paint the 2023 Crufts Best in Show winner. This was my seventh such painting and I always try to add special little details to each one.

"The 2023 winner was a Lagotto Romagnolo, a breed previously unfamiliar to many people in Britain, although Orca will be hard to forget with her joie de vivre in the show ring. Lagotti were originally bred in the area of Delta del Po in Italy, and latterly they have been trained to be very successful truffle hunters. Deciding that truffles didn't make a great subject to include, I settled on painting Orca with a background of Delta del Po and added a thin collar with a little Orca pendant round her neck. It was an absolute pleasure painting such a pretty little dog."

Crufts took place from 7 - 10 March 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.

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Lincolnshire youngster honoured with top award at Crufts

Katie Court — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Dog loving 18-year-old Emily Dabb from Grimsby, Lincolnshire has won the Young Kennel Club (YKC) Young Person of the Year award at Crufts 2024 on Sunday 10 March.

Emily has been a member of the Brigg Muttley Crew flyball team since 2018, and this year competed as part of the YKC Flyball team at Crufts, where, as the oldest handler on the team, has proved to be an inspirational role model to the younger members of the team. She has also spent a lot of time persevering with training her rescue Border Collie, Dolly. Emily has tried numerous training techniques and recently managed to successfully compete with her.

Proud Emily said: "It's amazing to win! I couldn't have asked of anything better with my dog, it's been a really difficult journey – Dolly's a rescue and really nervous. We've spent years and years of trying but finally, we eventually got into flyball."

The YKC Young Person of the Year award is one of the highest levels of achievement for young people who are passionate about dogs, and recognises those who are going above and beyond to help transform the lives of others, as well as encouraging their peers to make a difference with the help of their canine friends.

The YKC was inundated with nominations for the prestigious award which celebrates the hardworking, inspirational and selfless actions of young dog lovers. Each category winner was invited to Crufts 2024 for the award ceremony following a public vote to decide the overall YKC Young Person of the Year award.

The category winners were:

• Compassion Award – Amèlie Smith, aged 15, from Derbyshire

• Personal Achievement Award – Poppy Coleby, aged 18, from Northumberland

• Sporting Talent Award – Gemma MacKenzie, aged 14, from Great Midlothian

• Inspiring Others Award – Emily Dabb, aged 18 from Lincolnshire

For over 39 years, the Shaun McAlpine Trophy has been presented to the winner of the award at Crufts, in memory of Ed and Cindy McAlpine's son who was tragically killed in a car accident aged 22. Shaun had himself achieved considerable success as a dog handler.

Previous winners of the competition have been selected for their volunteering and fundraising for dog charities, helping organise dog activities in the local community, and assisting others through training, stewarding and mentoring.

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, commented: "Congratulations to Emily for winning this year's YKC Young Person of the Year award. She is a real credit to her friends, family and community, and we are so proud to have her as a Young Kennel Club member.

"Well done to all of our inspirational finalists and to all our deserving YKC members who were nominated this year. So much of their time, dedication and hard work is put into helping the lives of dogs, for which they should be commended."

The category winners were each invited to Crufts 2024 on Sunday 10 March for a special presentation ceremony in the YKC ring. As well as being crowned YKC Young Person of the Year, The Kennel Club Educational Trust awarded Emily £350 to help progress her love of dogs, while the other three category winners were awarded £100.

To find out more about the Young Kennel Club and how to join please contact the YKC team by emailing ykc@thekennelclub.org.uk or visit thekennelclub.org.uk/ykc.

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Jack Russell Terrier hailed nation's most obedient breed after winning 'Obreedience' final at Crufts

Your Pets Daily Editor — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000

A team of Jack Russell Terriers won the Obreedience competition at the world's greatest dog show, Crufts on Thursday 7 March.

The Jack Russell Terrier team, named The Russellers, proved themselves more obedient than the nine other breed teams that made it to the final at Crufts, held at the NEC in Birmingham. The other finalists were as follows:

The Cool Cockers – Cocker Spaniels

The Woodcockers – Cocker Spaniels

The LabraPaws – Labrador Retrievers

The Golden Acorns – Golden Retrievers

The Wagtails – Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Manchesters Reunited – Manchester Terriers

Stafford Stars – Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Shepherd's Delight – German Shepherd Dogs

The Clumberjacks – Clumber Spaniels

Obreedience, an exciting team obedience competition, was introduced at Crufts in 2014 as a special display event. Now in its tenth year as an official competition, Obreedience continues to grow and entertain the crowds that come along to support their favourite breeds.

The winning team members were:

Louise Dexter with Izzy (Our Own Little Izzy Whizz) from Nuneaton, Warwickshire

Harry Friswell with Cookie (Everyone Loves a Cookie) from Nuneaton, Warwickshire

Kirsty Stuart with Ghost (Fedsig's Blithe Spirit) from Chelsfield, Kent

Anne Shuker with Scally (Scally's Skullduggery Swag) from Derbyshire

The team reserves were Sian Rees with Mable (Little Miss Tiny Temper) from Droitwich, Worcestershire and Ffion Roe with Barney (Barnes Wallis Bouncing Boy) from Newmarket, Suffolk.

The team's captain Julia Bodsworth, from Kingsbury, Warwickshire, said of the team win: "As soon as the Jack Russell was announced as a Kennel Club recognised breed in 2016, we began entering heats, qualifying for the final in our first year. This year was our seventh appearance in the Crufts final and, as team captain, I am absolutely over the moon with the result, our super little dogs were amazing. We hope we have shown that Jack Russells are very capable little dogs."

Deputy team captain, Sian Rees, from Droitwich, Worcestershire, added: "I still can't believe they actually did it. We, as a whole team, have worked so hard towards this day, but the team were absolutely amazing, they pulled out all the stops. I'm so proud of them all. This rosette has such significance for me and will be a strong reminder of what we have achieved over our time with The Russellers."

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: "Well done to all the owners and dogs of The Russellers team on an impressive win at Crufts! The team displayed a remarkable example of highly trained, obedient dogs and the bond between each dog and their owner was evident.

"The Obreedience competition is a wonderful display that proves any breed, given the right training and socialisation, and of course patience from their human counterparts, can do well in competitive obedience. We wish the best of luck to all the breeds competing in Obreedience at the heats being held throughout 2024."

Each Obreedience team comprised four handlers and dogs who took part in two rounds. The first was a heelwork round completed as a group, with the dogs being assessed on their ability to complete different moves whilst remaining synchronised with their teammates. The second round featured four set exercises and each member needed to successfully complete one of the four different exercises. Points were deducted for any faults and the team with the most points won. The exercises were a retrieve (handler's own article), a send to bed, stop the dog, and scent over articles.

For further details about Obreedience, please visit The Kennel Club website thekennelclub.org.uk/obreedience.

Crufts took place from 7 - 10 March 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.

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Golden Retriever from West Yorkshire crowned Good Citizen Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes winner at Crufts 2024

Tom Stone — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Ruby, a five-year-old Golden Retriever from Wakefield, and her owner Sandra Jones, triumphed at Crufts by winning the Good Citizen Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes Competition on Saturday 9 March.

Ruby (Gaelleda Krystal Dream Girl) beat 30 other talented dogs to be crowned the winner of the 2024 Good Citizen Pre-Beginner Stakes competition at the world's greatest dog show, with the final overseen by highly experienced judge, Dr Janel Fone.

Speaking after their win, delighted Sandra said: "We've had such an amazing time at Crufts. What an experience! I'm so proud of how Ruby has handled the noise and crowds...as well as my nerves!"

The Good Citizen Dog Training scheme (GCDTS) competition was first held in 2005 to encourage owners of dogs who have passed their GCDTS Bronze Award to take part in obedience competitions as a potential gateway into dog exhibition. The exercises included in the test are a combination of current GCDTS exercises and the Pre-Beginner Obedience test. Building on the basic training skills learnt through the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme, this stakes class helps to bridge the gap between basic training and entering a competition. Dogs must have obtained their Good Citizen Bronze Award prior to the closing date of the show.

Dogs competing in the final had to qualify at one of the 30 heats held across the country last year with the winner from each heat qualifying for the final.

Sue Garner, Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Working Party Chairman, added: "Ruby and Sandra demonstrated a very strong bond in the ring, performing a first-class round and showcasing the skills they have learnt through the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme.

"The standard of competitors was very high and the pair should be proud of their achievement. The Pre-Beginner Stakes are a great way for dogs and owners to enter the obedience world and I wish them luck in the future."

To find out more about the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme visit the website gcds.org.uk

Crufts took place between 7 - 10 March 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.

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North Yorkshire woman crowned UK's best dog breeder at Crufts

Jessica Curtis — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 20:00:00 +0000

A woman from Goole, North Yorkshire has won The Kennel Club Breeders' Competition final at Crufts, the world's greatest dog show, on Friday 8 March.

Cathy Thompson-Morgan won the ultimate breeder title, in front of a packed Resorts World Arena at the NEC, alongside her team of Belleville Portuguese Water Dogs. The team beat 42 other breeders who qualified for the final.

The competition, sponsored by Agria Pet Insurance, involved teams which accrued points at group and general championship shows in 2023. The competition is fully supported throughout the year by Our Dogs, the weekly canine newspaper, including the compilation of results.

The judge of the final, Sharon Pinkerton, selected Cathy Thompson-Morgan's team of Portuguese Water Dogs as the dogs with the best overall quality. Each team comprised three or four dogs of one breed, all bred by the same breeder or breeding partnership.

Speaking about the win, Cathy said: "I can't believe it. I was just happy to be shortlisted but to win it is amazing."

Reserve best breeder was awarded to Heidi Parsons, from Leicestershire with their team of Rhodesian Ridgebacks which she breeds under the Priorpark kennel name.

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: "Many congratulations to Cathy and her team of Belleville Portuguese Water Dogs for this prestigious achievement. Cathy is clearly a talented breeder who has put a lot of time and effort into developing sound breeding practices to produce healthy and happy dogs for the show ring. Her dogs are testament to her hard work and dedication to the breed."

Sarah White, Breeder Channel Manager at Agria Pet Insurance, added: "Well done Cathy and her Belleville Portuguese Water Dogs on winning this prestigious title. The Breeders' competition has truly become the jewel in the showing world. It was wonderful to see all the different teams competing at qualifying championship shows throughout the year and congratulations to everyone that made it to the final at Crufts!"

To find out more about The Kennel Club Breeders' Competition, please visit crufts.org.uk/dog-exhibitors or email breedshows@thekennelclub.org.uk.

The following breeders qualified for the 2024 final at Crufts:

Utility
Lhasa Apso, Mr T and Mrs Poole (Domensa)
Miniature Schnauzer, Misses RL and LM Woods (Penbro)
Tibetan Spaniel, Mrs A McDonald (Balgay)
Tibetan Spaniel, Mrs P Smith (Torfness)
Xoloitzcuintle, Mrs H Wright (Sangrereal)

Toys
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Mr AM & Mrs CA Rhodes (Calonlan)
Coton De Tulear, Mrs J & Mr S Scott (Cukoton)
Italian Greyhound, Mrs JB Amsel (Artmeis)
Pomeranian, Mrs AL Cawthera-Purdy (Lireva)
Pug, Mrs K Storey (Rhodenash)

Gundog
Bracco Italiano, Mrs L Bowley (Gunsyn)
German Shorthaired Pointer, Mrs ZM Sielski (Orchidstar)
German Wirehaired Pointer, Mr PF & Mrs M McCullough (Kimmax)
Hungarian Vizsla, Mr S & Mrs KM Challis (Vizslanya)
Pointer, Ms CJ O'Neill (Tenshilling)
Retriever (Chesapeake Bay), Miss K Watts (Oakmarsh)
Retriever (Curly Coated), Mrs AL & Dr MJ Moskowitz (Ravenho)
Retriever (Flat Coated), Mrs JB Campbell (Ronevorg)
Retriever (Labrador), Mrs CM Smith (Flyenpyg)
Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling), Mrs T & Miss S Westwood (Eusanit)
Spaniel (Irish Water), Mrs JL Carruthers (Stanegate)
Spaniel (Welsh Springer), Mrs AR Chandler (Chanangel)

Working
Alaskan Malamute, Mrs S and Miss L Perfitt (Samjoe)
Canadian Eskimo Dog, Ms RE Bailey (Akna)
Canadian Eskimo Dog, Miss SM Atkins (Qimugta)
Newfoundland, Mrs C & Mr D Baldock (Gunnersnewfs)
Portuguese Water Dog, Mrs CS Thompson-Morgan (Belleville)
Siberian Husky, Miss AV Bryson (Inukshuk)

Pastoral
Bearded Collie, Mrs L and Mr N Bevis (Beabeardies)
Bearded Collie, Mrs RL Salter (Irisaddition)
Briard, Mrs C Foster (Fostebrie)
Catalan Sheepdog, Mrs TJ & Mrs AM Fieldsend (Starwell)

Terrier
Irish Terrier, Mrs CM Bamsey (Holbam)
Manchester Terrier, Mr C & Mrs G Knight (Talanors)
Scottish Terrier, Mrs VR Norton (Divadell)
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Mr CW & Mrs CL Satherley (Silkcroft)

Hound
Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit), Mr R & Mrs G Foote & Miss E McAuley (Erylan)
Dachshund (Miniature Smooth Haired), Miss R & Mrs J Cumberland (Mumysami)
Greyhound, Mrs B & Mr P Primavera (Sobers)
Harrier, Miss C Farrah (Henissy)
Irish Wolfhound, Miss W Heather (Whiteorchard)
Rhodesian Ridgeback, Mrs H Parsons (Priorpark)
Whippet, Mrs K Williams (Tigsisle)

Crufts took place from 7 - 10 March 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.

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Quartet of agility stars crowned champions at Crufts

Your Pets Daily Editor — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Four dogs and their handlers from Warwickshire, Bristol and Shropshire, have won one of the country's most prestigious agility competitions after triumphing in The Kennel Club Agility Championships, which are sponsored by YuMOVE, at Crufts on Thursday 7 March and Sunday 10 March.

Large, intermediate, medium and small dogs and their handlers who had won an Agility Challenge Certificate at a Championship Show in 2023 took part in the Championships, competing against the top dogs from around the country at the world's greatest dog show.

Selfie, a Shetland Sheepdog, and owner Martin Reid from Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, won The Kennel Club Agility Championships for small dogs.

Proud owner Martin said: "Selfie was pretty perfect all the way round. It is always nerve-wracking, we tried not to leave anything to chance and we managed that!"

Dalton Meredith, from Bristol, won The Kennel Club Agility Championships for both medium and large dogs with two of his Border Collies, Munchy and Clippy. Munchy won for medium dogs on Thursday 7 March and Clippy for large dogs on Sunday 10 March.

Proud owner Dalton said: "I've never won the championship and it means a lot... I just hope this luck keeps up!

"This Crufts literally could not have gone any better! We have done quite a few events now where we've had quite a bit of pressure, so I think it's our favourite thing to run under. It really gets you going - especially after four days!"

Star, a Border Collie, and owner Lee Gibson from Shrewsbury, Shropshire, won The Kennel Club Agility Championships for intermediate dogs.

Proud owner Lee said: "I am obviously delighted for Star to win, she had a long rehabilitation post stem cell treatment last October, so getting her properly fit and strong to be able to do what she loves is what we cared most about.

"It is always special to run at Crufts and running last in the final was extremely exciting. Star thrives on the crowd and atmosphere, and she didn't disappoint!"

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: "Well done to all four winning dogs for their impressive performances in the arena at Crufts.

"Everyone that competed in the finals of the Championships this year at Crufts should be very proud of reaching this level of agility, it takes great dedication, training and skill throughout the year of competitions."

Fiona Hope, CEO of YuMOVE which sponsored the event, commented: "Congratulations to all the owners and their dogs on their fantastic win in The Kennel Club Agility Championships at Crufts!

"YuMOVE has been an agility sponsor of Crufts for many years, and we're proud to support canine athletes with our wide range of products so they can keep doing what they do best in the arena."

Crufts took place from 7 -10 March 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.

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'Dog in a million' from Devon and owner crowned winners at Crufts

Tom Stone — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Nora, a five-year-old Border Collie, and her owner Lorna Syrett from East Budleigh, Devon, won the heelwork to music freestyle final at the world's greatest dog show, Crufts, on Friday 8 March.

Each year Crufts hosts the finals of both heelwork to music and the freestyle competitions. All advanced level dogs and handlers can qualify for Crufts by entering one or more of a series of qualifying events held throughout the previous year.

The participants devised routines of up to four minutes, set to music, and performed them with their dog in the Resorts World Arena at the NEC, Birmingham.

Nora has played a particularly special role in Lorna's life after Lorna was diagnosed with an aggressive form of arthritis at 27. Lorna was in constant pain but Nora was always there for her - helping her through the pain and giving her a reason to carry on.

Delighted owner Lorna said of her win: "I don't think winning has sunk in yet, and to be honest it might take a few weeks until it does! I went out in the ring just wanting to have fun with Nora and show everyone how amazing I know she is. To win was the last thing on my mind!

"Everyone that was in the final had worked so hard to be there and this showed with how wonderfully everyone performed with their dogs. Heelwork to music is very much a sport built on relationships with our dogs first and foremost and you could tell that from watching everyone in the final this year. Nora loves being in the big Crufts ring and really likes to show off for the crowd. Nora is not only my best friend but a dog in a million for me!"

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, commented: "Congratulations to Lorna and Nora for their wonderful performance in the arena at Crufts. Heelwork to music is a challenging activity that demands a lot of time, dedication and skill. The pair perfectly demonstrated the patience and close bond needed from both the dog and the handler, as well as being a great example of what can be achieved.

"Lorna and Nora are an inspiration for any dog owners out there who are interested in taking part in this fun and rewarding activity."

For more information on heelwork to music, please visit thekennelclub.org.uk/htm

Crufts takes place from 7 - 10 March 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.

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Labrador Retriever from Inverness wins Gamekeepers' classes at Crufts

Jessica Curtis — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 20:00:00 +0000

Nithvalley Tweed at Foxhope, a Labrador Retriever from Inverness, Scotland, known at home as Tweed, and owned by Mr and Mrs Bamford, and handled by Emma Bamford, was declared the overall winner of the Gamekeepers' Classes on Friday 8 March at Crufts 2024.

Tweed is four years old and triumphed in the category which is confined to working gundogs. Judged this year by Alan Meldrum, every dog is judged to the breed standard, with consideration to their appearance and conformation, but all dogs in the competition must be bona fide working gundogs. These requirements make the classes totally unique.

Tweed was awarded 'Best in Gamekeeper Classes' out of the six class winners who made it through to the main arena judging. Tweed and Emma were awarded the Northesk Memorial Trophy which was presented this year by Ben Skinner, of Skinner's Field & Trial, a major sponsor of Kennel Club Gundog events.

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) is responsible for the organisation and running of the Gamekeepers' ring at Crufts and these classes, sponsored by Skinner's Field & Trial, are always popular with the general public and exhibitors alike.

Six gundogs were in contention for the coveted title, with Emma and Tweed emerging the victors under working gundog expert Alan Meldrum.

Emma said: "It has been a long day for Tweed and he is not used to the Crufts crowds so I am really proud of him! When the judge walked towards me it was surreal, just hope you don't trip up in the ring!"

Crufts takes place from 7 - 10 March 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.

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Scotland agility star crowned winner at Crufts

Your Pets Daily Editor — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Drico, a seven-year-old Hungarian Viszla, and Lorna Kennedy from Edinburgh, Scotland, won The Kennel Club Large Novice ABC (Anything But Collie) Agility competition, after battling it out against seven other finalists at Crufts, the world's greatest dog show, on Friday 8 March.

The final, which was sponsored by YuMOVE, saw eight large dogs in Grades 1-5 of agility, other than Border Collies and Working Sheepdogs, competing to win, having all qualified from the semi-finals at The International Horse Show in December 2023.

Proud owner Lorna said: "I am lost for words! Drico is absolutely amazing and I've got to spend the best day with my favourite dog and show him off to the world!"

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: "Congratulations to Lorna and Drico for their impressive run in the arena at Crufts. The pair really demonstrated how hard they have been training for the final and the close bond between them was clear. We wish them luck in future agility competitions.

"The ABC Agility is a great competition for owners with different breeds of dog competing in agility. Well done to all who entered and took part in the final."

Fiona Hope, CEO of YuMOVE which sponsored the event, commented: "Congratulations to Lorna and Drico on their fantastic win in The Kennel Club Large Novice ABC at Crufts!

"YuMOVE has been an agility sponsor of Crufts for many years, and we're proud to support canine athletes with our wide range of products so they can keep doing what they do best in the arena."

Crufts takes place from 7 -10 March 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.

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