Crufts is an annually held event for dogs and is regarded as the world’s largest Dog show. Crufts is a four days event held at Birmingham England during the second week of March. The National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham hosts this show. The popular events are dog agility, dog’s heelwork, dog obedience and dog related product trades. The show is so popular that it has been declared by Guinness World Records as the largest dog show in the world.
This show has been named after Charles Cruft, the founder. Charles worked as a manager in a Dog biscuit manufacturing company. He was so fond of dog shows and has attended several of them. With established relationships and contacts, he was able to organize a dog show of his own in 1886. This show was named as First Great Terrier Show and it had over 600 entries.
The Main Event – Best in Show
Before directly getting into the “Best in Show” contest, let us take you through the build-up of this content. There are several breed of dogs in the UK who participate in this event. Some of the popular breeds are English Cocker Spaniel, Standard Poodle, Terrier, Pomeranian and Basenji.
Firstly, the dogs of each breed compete against each other. This competition is split by age, gender and class. The Class of a dog’s breed can be puppy, junior, veteran, mid limit and yearling. All the winners from different classes compete against each other and a new winner is determined. This competition is held for both dogs and bitches class and an award is given. The two final winners then compete against each other to determine who the best of their breed is.
Now starts the “Best in Show” competition. The winner of the breed competes against the other group winners. There are 7 dog groups in total. They are gundog, toys, hounds, working, terrier, pastoral and utility. Hence, we now get a winner from each group and the 7 winners compete against each other for the “Best in Show” Winner Award.
A £100 cash prize is awarded for the winner and the dog also receives a Silver Keddall Memorial Trophy.
How to compete?
The competition is not an open one. There are several qualification competitions held in Class level. To compete in the Crufts, a dog must be in the top 3 list of their class.
Pet lovers not only see their pets as animals but as a family member.
