THOUSANDS of dogs of all shapes and sizes are strutting their stuff at at this year’s Crufts show.
As the pampered pooches arrived at the NEC ahead the annual competition they showed off their skills and checked out the competition.
Around 220 different began their journey to Best in Show today (Thursday) ahead of the champion being crowned on Sunday (March 9).
The show continues to maintain its international flavour and this year has attracted more overseas entries than ever before – 3,766 dogs – with the Netherlands leading the way with 382 dogs, just ahead of Germany (375), France (371) and Italy (330).
There are also hundreds of the most agile, impressive and athletic dogs competing in different competitions including agility and flyball.
New for this year, the event will showcase hoopers in the main arena – a low impact and inclusive activity for dogs and owners.
For the first time at Crufts, the Kooikerhondje, Jack Russell Terrier and Lagotto Romagnolo have Challenge Certificate status.
Tom Mather, Crufts Chairman, said: “We are delighted that the show has attracted more dogs than last year and that Crufts has once again drawn a large overseas entry, proving its worldwide appeal.
“Crufts would not be Crufts without our exhibitors. We thank everybody who has entered the show and look forward to welcoming all dogs and their owners who make Crufts such a wonderful event, whether it is those who have been loyally returning year after year, or those who are experiencing the show for the first time.
“Crufts offers something for everyone and this year is no exception with particular interest in Kooikerhondjes, Jack Russell Terriers and Lagotto Romagnolo breeds who have Challenge Certificate status for the first time. The show is set to be a wonderful showcase of our much loved dogs, exciting canine activities and our fantastic and committed community.”
Crufts celebrates the many diverse roles that dogs play in our lives, and sees competitions such as The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, the Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year competition, Obreedience, in which different breeds compete against each other in teams to prove who is the ‘goodest dog’, and the ever popular fast-paced agility and flyball competitions.
Previously West Midlands Police, who have a dog breeding centre in Basall Common, have showcased their dogs skills in the demonstration area at Crufts.
As well as the varied competitions and activities, Crufts also features the Discover Dogs zone, where visitors can meet and greet hundreds of four-legged friends, speak to experts in each breed about what they are like to live with and care for, and find out which breed might be best suited to their lifestyle.
