Crufts – A Memorable Journey to a Great Show

by Adrianne Dering

Another Crufts is now in the history books. This is the 4th time I have traveled across the pond to attend and compete. This year I was joined once again by the fabulous Harry Bennett. Harry (with over 40 years in showing dogs) has proclaimed Crufts “Truly the greatest dog show in the world.” Joining us for Crufts for the first time were Mimi’s co-breeders and co-owners Gabe and Louise Buntzman. They were in awe at the entire spectacle that is Crufts! Also joining us was one of my mentors, Pat Enright, who has been in the breed over 20 years and has studied breed history extensively. She has owned, bred, written on, and trained judges about the breed in the U.S. as well.

The trials and tribulations of bringing a dog into Great Britain to compete are not to be underestimated. I applaud all who have built your breeding programs with imported dogs. The expense and hassle is real! Our stay in England began with a 7 hour visit to the DEFRA office, where they decided they wanted a piece of paper (not in the import rule book requirements) from my veterinarian in the U.S. who was not open yet (a 6 hour time difference). It was a long day. How- ever, while we were there we were met by a film crew from Channel 4 who filmed us and the dogletts for a television show about pets at Heathrow… so look for us on British TV sometime soon!

On Friday night we attended the “Facebook Friends” dinner hosted by UK judge Andrew Brace. We had a lovely time meeting dog people from all over the world. Seated at our table were Chow people from Northern Ireland and (coincidentally) an Afghan hound breeder who had judged our breed in Belgium a few weeks before! We also enjoyed the “rear view” of our serving staff!

We arrived at the NEC without incident on Saturday morning and set up our benching area next to a lovely couple with Cotons, Pappillon and Bolonese. As the gentlemen was dressed in his best dress kilt, we had a great talk about how I could go about researching my Scottish ancestors and find the family Plaid! My ancestors immigrated from various parts of The UK: Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, and Ireland. It seems it is kismet that both my personal “pedigree” and that of my dogs has its roots in the United Kingdom. When I visit I feel deeply connected to it.

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Posted by Alex on Apr 10 2018. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.