If I was to ask you if you were going to enter Crufts 2019 then you would probably say that Crufts was only for show dogs and had no relevance to working gundogs.
However, with a whole day dedicated to gundogs including three BASC rings run specifically for working gundogs you would be incorrect in your initial assessment.
Historically Crufts was recognised by keepers throughout the country as one of the focal points of their year with the old Gamekeepers’ Association holding its AGM there. Crufts has certainly developed a lot since then with the show now attracting just under 21,000 entries and over 166,000 visitors over the four days.
Crufts is a show like no other and gives those of us with working gundogs a unique stage on which to proudly display our dogs to the general public (many of whom may have never seen a working gundog before). Not only that but you, yourself, may walk away having learnt a bit more about the diverse range of gundog breeds out there. After all, with five halls dedicated to gundogs, there are lots of different breeds to see and to learn about.
Many people are nervous about the concept of being in the ring at Crufts and not knowing what is expected, however, there is really no need! As you enter the ring for the first time the excitement will build and the adrenalin will kick in as you walk your dog around the ring for the judge to appraise.
You won’t be expected to know how the class works from the off which is why the Judge’s steward will be there giving all competitors clear instructions on what is expected and where to walk in the ring. As the class draws to a close you will finally find out if you and your dog have done what it takes to walk away with one of the five rosettes on offer or even better to walk away with the trophy for that class.
For those entered into the Gamekeeper Only classes, Winners will also get to compete in the Crufts Main Arena for the title of ‘Best in Gamekeeper Classes’ and the prestigious Crufts Northesk Memorial Trophy.
All you need to do to enter the BASC classes to complete the entry form and the relevant section of the declaration form (found on the reverse of the entry sheet). Entries can only be made via a postal entry and entries close 7 January. Entry forms and a list of the BASC classes can be found on the BASC website.
Please note that if your dog was docked on or after April 2007 then, under law, it is not permitted to be shown at Crufts (where the public are admitted on payment of a fee). This is due to a law brought in in 2007 and is therefore outside of both BASCs and Crufts control.
If you have any questions about entering the BASC classes at Crufts then please just contact us either by calling 01244 573 019 or by emailing gundogs@0ld.basc.org.uk.
I hope to see you at Crufts in the New Year!
Kate Dymock
Gundog Officer