Crufts * Spoiler Alert*

[Buddy1]

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The fact that you would want to split a breed into 'show' and 'working' says it all really.

Yes, I agree, especially when there are examples of breeds from this group that don’t make the distinction between ‘show’ and ‘working’. I believe in some European countries, some gundogs have to prove their work credentials before they can become show champions.

However, I think the idea of being 'fit for purpose' applies to many of the breeds you will see at Crufts. As they are no longer used for the role they were originally bred for, their breed standard has changed and they are now quite different in appearance to the ‘original’ breed. It is just less noticeable as all dogs from the breed have changed rather than being a spilt into ‘working’ and ‘show’ lines.

As for the raw food recommendation, I am sure that it is pure coincidence that one of their sponsors is a manufacturer of complete raw food.

 

[JudyN]

I adored the Irish water spaniel from the Gundog group. He reminds me of Lenny Kravitz! Personally I'm not a great boxer fan, but I do have a soft spot for samoyeds so was glad she won the Pastoral group. When I was about 8 an old lady who lived near had one and I used to go round to visit it. I can't remember the woman's name but the dog was called Cora

Was it the Anatolian shepherd who snarked at the judge? I do worry about the number of dogs who might hate having their teeth inspected. Maybe not half as much as the judges worry though! Thinking about it though, he must have been calm enough in the breed showing or he wouldn't have got through.

 

[Nanny71]

Caught Crufts for the first time tonight. Why do the handlers hold the leads so tight the dogs heads are pulled up unaturally.

 

[JudyN]

The commentator talked about how one of the dogs walked so nicely, as if they were on tiptoes - they didn't have any choice, they were practically being suspended off the ground! I dare say it makes the dog look more alert and upright, but it would be great if they were expected to show their natural gait by walking on a loose lead.

I believe in the US, it's more common for show dogs to be expected to walk nicely on lead in the ring without being pulled the whole time.

I wanted the saluki to be in the final line-up

 

[Rhythmpig]

I only saw the terriers,I was disappointed I called the Jack Russell to win,but it was too civilised.. all them terriers and not one hooligan amongst them. That's all I saw,I had a gig to go to.

 

[JudyN]

I wanted the JRT or the Parson Russell to win the Terriers - wasn't that JRT just adorable?

 

[excuseme]

Did anyone else get annoyed when the vet said that a treadmill was an excellent form of exercise for a dog? No, take it for a decent walk!

I sent in an action shot of Jasper which means I'm going to have to watch every minute of it tomorrow. Awkward that it clashes with the rugby and the start of the F1 GRand Prix season...

I have just discovered that the 2019 Grand Prix is starting on 17th March. Have I misunderstood your post @JudyN

 

[JudyN]

I have just discovered that the 2019 Grand Prix is starting on 17th March. Have I misunderstood your post @JudyN

No, I must have got it wrong. I thought OH said it was starting this weekend but thinking about it, when I sloped off to bed to curl up with my book, I heard motorbikes on the TV, so it was probably a motorbike GP. Sorry I got you all excited!

I used to follow F1 - my dad loved it, and OH's family even more so (his dad was involved in Goodyear F1 tyres) - but find it really boring now. OH still watches it but even he wonders at times why he bothers.

 

[JoanneF]

but find it really boring now

My dad used to say how hard can it be - it's not like there's anything coming the other way! Seriously, I quite like the start but after that it's not my favourite spectator sport.

 

[excuseme]

I do agree that it is not as exciting as it used to be, once the first bend has been taken it is pretty much a matter of following the leader.

 

[Mad Murphy]

I do agree that it is not as exciting as it used to be, once the first bend has been taken it is pretty much a matter of following the leader.

This ^^^and is it just me or do most of the drivers seem a bit bland these days..? I loved James Hunt and Ayrton Senna (both of whom I met) Damon Hill and Jackie Stewart they all had sparkle..

 

[JudyN]

I'm not keen on Lewis Hamilton at all - in fact most of the drivers seem to be cold, arrogant and very corporate minded. They used to have characters - remember Gerhard Berger? And the incorrigible Eddie Irvine?

I went to the British GP when I was about 18 when OH's parents had some free tickets, with full paddock transfer and hospitality tent. It was a day to remember - not least because OH and I were going through a rough patch and hardly spoke to each other all day

 

[Mad Murphy]

Eddie Irvine was priceless...asked why Schumacher wore an odd shaped helmet he said 'Hes German hes got an odd shaped head'
He and Schumy were told off by officials for racing 50cc scooters round the paddock at an F1 meet..

 

[Chadders]

Went to Crufts for the first time on Friday unbelievable loved it. I never imagined it was so big definitely need more than one day. What was surprising is how well behaved and chilled out most the dogs were just sitting/lying/sleeping on the benches most were totally chilled, ignoring people walking by gorping at them (like me)
You can also see the seriousness of some owners and I think there's a lot of it's who you know not what you know, maybe I'm wrong. Loved the Flyball those dogs are crazy and you can see they enjoy it so much. Soon as they come out they're up for it ready to go. Only sad thing was not having a dog at the moment meant I couldn't buy stuff lol.

 

[JoanneF]

Last bets - I'm for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

 

[JudyN]

You were close @JoanneF!

I was rooting for the Irish water dog but he didn't show well - I think he was finding it all a bit much. The papillon did show well so I wasn't surprised he won.

Did you see the Russian toy terrier? Those ears! I want one!

 

[Mayblossom]

Last bets - I'm for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

I was rooting for that one Jo, such a happy little dog and not strung up by the lead, moved very fluently too

 

[Buddy1]

What was surprising is how well behaved and chilled out most the dogs were just sitting/lying/sleeping on the benches most were totally chilled, ignoring people walking by gorping at them (like me)

I think you have touched on a really important point. As well as enjoying seeing all the different breeds, I love watching how focused the dogs are in the ring. It amazes me that the dogs can stay so calm and focused with all the distractions / challenges: the noise, lights, other dogs in proximity, judges handling them and the very long periods of waiting, which they do without barking for attention. This is obviously a result of a lot of training put in by the owners, but the dogs do need to have the right temperament too. Seeing as many of the dogs that are successfully in the show ring will be the ones used for breeding, perhaps dog shows can do their part helping to ensure that the dogs with the correct temperaments (as well as the looks) are the ones that are passing on their genes.

 

[Teddy560]

I'm watching on catch-up? Is it just me or was the labrador really overweigh?

 

[Teddy560]

Also, a bit off topic, but I wonder if the whole working breeds don't really work anymore thing is why there are so many little crossbreeds being bred now. Because there is a higher demand for small, cute dogs that don't require much in the way of mental stimulation and exercise? And if there will continue to be a decline in working breeds as people tend not to hunt so much these days etc.