Crufts

lostinrates

Caroline_a wrote: »

I've been a few times. I do think that there is a lot of nastiness between the individual breeders (and to be honest I was told this is very true of GSD breeders), but if you are visiting rather than showing I think it's a great experience, and people will be friendly with you.

Do take as much money as you can afford - it's an amazing shopping experience!! Also, to save money, take your own food/lunch as the food stands are very expensive. Also, if you have one, take a trolley or case with wheels - far easier than hundreds of bags!

The last time I went it was to see the Spinones before I got Sid. I got talking to some people who recommended the breeder where I eventually got him.

Ime (we have had four breeds in all, but have a crossover with other people who have others in other groups) EVERY single breed will have so e peoe saying they are the friendliest breed and group, and others will say they are the most catty.

It is always worth remembering that crufts is aIthe pinnacle of the year for many, especially those for whom it's their only 'international' showing experience and show mainly in the uk. And it's a competition. For some breeders and judge/breeders and indeed judges, these decision effect their careers and their most deadly held passion as well as their dogs which they love, it can be really, really tense.


A few years ago we started going out of our group day, when a friend with another group was unwell and I knew her dogs well (walked them daily with mine) and was able and very pleased to go and help so she could still exhibit them. Now, appearing at Crufts, knowing only a handful of people in the breed, all through my friend I and my husband were made incredibly welcome. Was there some b1tching? Ofcourse, it's a group of humans! But there was also support and affection.

With the new breed we are getting (tomorrow!) we have been to watch classes every time we have been there on the appropriate days in the last decade. People have been kind enough to offer us tips and guidelines, often BEFORE going in the ring, which I always consider a very 'quiet' time. I know that there is a lot of disagreement in the breed and cattiness, but I also know that it's not my social life, but that if our pup is a nice example as he matures he will go out do a few shows, if he has suitable temperament, for the experience for him as much as anything.

I love swing opther breeds and groups and where approaches are different and the same, I love meeting new people, and it's incredibly special when people stop to ask you about your dog and you and the dog get to be an ambassador for a breed you love. it was funny going out of group, because I was being asked about dogs in a group I love as people but choose not to own, and it was still fun, because someone there asking, might well find their perfect match in that dog.


Hmm, I am talking myself into wanting to go when we have no one to take this year

coinxoperated

Growing up my parents always took me and my younger sister. We love dogs (not into showing though) but always enjoyed meeting all the different breeds and getting lots of freebee treats to give our own when we got home! Always lots of things to buy too!!

Definitely take your own lunches! The food prices are a rip off x

Hillbilly1

If its to see dogs, then as another poster mentioned try Discover Dogs, its on in 2 weeks!

People with the breeds, not necc breeders/show people are there to advise on specific breeds. Very informative and informal!

con1888

Discover dogs is just a bit far for me at short notice, i'm in Scotland.

Going to save up and go to Crufts.

As for the !!!!!yness in the show ring, i've already been warned about it lol was one of the first things I was told when I decided to start Logans training. I'm used to it though, was an Irish Dancer for years and that's so so so !!!!!y. Seems most competitive things are...

zaxdog

I would certainly never go but that if for reasons of ethics. Would be more than happy if the KC was disbanded as so many breeds are being destroyed and dogs are living shortened lives in such terrible pain.

I'll stick with runninga long the beach with my happy healthy lurcher :j

lostinrates

con1888 wrote: »

Discover dogs is just a bit far for me at short notice, i'm in Scotland.

Going to save up and go to Crufts.

As for the !!!!!yness in the show ring, i've already been warned about it lol was one of the first things I was told when I decided to start Logans training. I'm used to it though, was an Irish Dancer for years and that's so so so !!!!!y. Seems most competitive things are...

There is a 'discover dogs' at crufts:D

xcarlyx

I have never been but erm.... it would be the best day out ever for me all those dogs x

Kavanne

I love love love Crufts and have been for the last 3 years. The discover dogs is my FAVOURITE section. So many dogs, just for you to pet!! All of the owners and super nice and so knowledgable and happy to talk for hours about their pooches.

Would totally recommend it.

Also the displays are really good, especially stuff like golden retriever display and search and rescue. I love the agility too, the toy class is just too funny!

Katiehound

I haven't been to Crufts for a couple of years. The first time I went we were in a Good Citizen display team.Then I used to take my hound and we worked on a charity stand. It was lovely meeting people and going round the charity stands & the dog food stands. The best bit for me was meeting Matt Baker, and I have the photo to prove it!
I am not into pedigree dogs so avoided the show rings but there was lots to see and do in the main halls and in the arena such as the golden retriever display team, Mary Ray demonstrating heelwork to music, the Good Citizen ring etc.
If you support an animal/assistance charity it is a great opportunity to meet some of the HQ staff.
Look out for special offers on the dog magazine stands

DO take your own food & water - very expensive, even M&S at a service station is cheaper.
Shopping trolleys are a godsend as if you go by car all the car parks seem quite a trek away!
Enjoy

calicocat

I have been lots of times and loved it...very tiring though so if you can go on two days is best. Discover dogs is brilliant , take as much money as you can,take your own food and drink if you can as others have said, the shopping trolley thing is a brilliant idea and wish I had thought of doing that...and be prepared that it can take ages in traffic to get in and out