Crufts 2015

For various reasons I haven't manged to visit Crufts in four years.  Between landlord evictions, pregnancy, having a busy baby etc. it hasn't really been possible.  Now we are settled in our own home and have a relative routine with Rowan, I decided 2015 would be the year to finally go to Crufts again!
As my Mother-in-law hadn't experienced Crufts, she and Rowan shared their first visit together.

We left at 9am to avoid the exhibitors driving to Birmingham (20,000 dogs are shown in Crufts over the four days, so I was expecting the roads to be busy) and had a really good drive down. The weather was dry and it was generally a pleasant journey - sometimes the driving styles of drivers clash, and can make it quite stressful.
We got to the NEC around 11am and attempted to orientate ourselves. The show is spread out over four massive halls, and it is very easy to get lost.  We had hoped to see the heelwork to music display, but unfortunately missed it as we were still lost at that point. Actually, we didn't see much of the activities apart from a pet obedience display which was interesting, but not as exciting as some of the other displays sounded!  I think Crufts is one of those events you need to be quite militant in your planning, otherwise you do miss a lot. Something I will remember for next time!

We walked around the Discover Dogs hall and enjoyed seeing and petting some of the dogs. I think both Lynn and Rowan enjoyed this part as you could get more hands-on with the dogs (with the owners' permission, of course!)
I absolutely fell in love with the Catalan Sheepdog! Such a gentle face, and that scruffy coat!  The breed is known for it's love of children, is very trainable and doesn't sound as highly strung as my first-love (Border Collies) so it might be a contender for our next dog since I don't think we can meet the demands of another collie where we are currently in life.  Catalan's are a rare breed however, so it may take a few more years of research!

I didn't get a lot of photos since I was simply enjoying being back at Crufts.

Catalan Sheepdog

Catalan Sheepdog

Hungarian Puli - the Rastafarian of the

dog world 

A close-up of the Puli's corded coat

We walked around the hundreds of stalls displaying a multitude of doggy merchandise.  Everything from squeaky toy trophies, diamante collars and genetic screening services.  I was a little disappointed to see that electric shock collars were being sold there, but that was certainly not the most controversy Crufts has generated this year.  Between alleged poisonings, a reported dog-beating in the car park and heavy handling by the best in show winner, Crufts has had a lot of negative coverage this year. Personally, I do not feel that the Kennel Club can be held responsible for the first two (even if the poisoning had occurred at the NEC). Regardless of how strict the implemented security was, it is unrealistic to assume they could have prevented it. However, I do feel that they should have stripped best in show handler, Rebecca Cross, of her win. She had reportedly been warned previously about heavy handling, and proceeded to do it again. Despite her protestations that is was a 'habit,' it sends a poor message about the care and welfare of dogs in the breed show world.

On top of a glut of treats for Tangent, I also came home with the contact details for the editor on Dogs Today.  Now I just need to find out if they accept freelance submissions and get writing!