There will be a new challenge for working gundogs competing in the gamekeeper classes at Crufts on Saturday 07 March.
The gamekeeper classes are about working gundogs; every dog is judged to the breed standard but major consideration is given to its appearance, looks and conformation as a working gundog.
Dogs achieving an award from the gamekeeper classes will be asked to perform a retrieve to display the general requirements expected to work in the sporting field.
BASC’s national gundog co-ordinator, James Green, said: “The gamekeeper classes have grown in popularity year on year and with over four hundred gundogs competing in 2009 it promises to be the best year to date. The gamekeeper classes are always interesting to watch but the addition of a retrieve will make the event even more exciting.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
• The gamekeepers’ ring holds a unique place in the history of Crufts as it is the oldest in the show. Crufts was developed by the Gamekeepers’ Association in 1901. BASC took over the running of the gamekeepers’ ring in 1989.
• Location of GK ring – Rings 25, 26 and 35 in Hall 5 at the NEC in Birmingham.