The Real News at Crufts

Lisa Croft-Elliot Photo

By Amy Fernandez

As usual, the media’s post-game analysis of Crufts has focused on controversy and negative gossip. Likewise, it goes without saying that such topics abound. The top story ranks among the worst notions associated with this sport, dog poisoning. In a few short days it has traveled like wildfire, despite the fact that almost every aspect of the incident remains pure speculation.

This is what we know.  An Irish Setter dog died 26 hours after being benched at Crufts. By then, he had returned to Belgium with his owner. His breeder, in Leicester, was first to claim suspicion of poisoning. The dog’s necropsy seems to support that contention, but so far all resulting statements have been generated by the rumor mill. Running a close second to that nasty gossip is the equally specious chitchat regarding the BIS winner’s suspected mistreatment by her handler.

The weekend’s genuine highlight – showcasing everything we love about this sport – has unfortunately been overshadowed by this avalanche of nonsensical garbage. I am referring to the great moment witnessed during the Toy Group judging.

All eyes were riveted on the favorite and eventual group winner, the Maltese dog It/Gr/Rom/FI/Spa/Port/ Ch. Cinecitta’s Sasha Baron. Owned by Paolantoni Prosperi, Sasha was widely considered a prime contender for Best in Show. Equally favored to win, the Group Two (Reserve) winning Pomeranian bitch, Eng./Ir Ch. Belliver the Ultimate Creation, also got plenty of support.  But it was Stephen Bardwell’s next placement that got the crowd on their feet and has subsequently generated an avalanche of congratulations on social media.

Over here, we don’t pay much attention to the English Toy Terrier. This thoroughly British breed is generally considered traditional, old fashioned, and unfortunately, out of style. We are also a bit confused by the breed, due to the ongoing debate surrounding its direct relationship to the Toy Manchester. Those issues have also kept it off the front page at home in Britain. From any perspective, the breed has endured a rough patch and is rarely the focus of much attention at Crufts – especially with an eleven year-old boy at the other end of the lead.  But last Sunday, Witchstone China Girl for Poshpins not only defied the odds to win a group placement, but she literally stole the show.

Her young handler looked every inch the part, dressed sharp in a suit and tie. His demeanor was equally impressive. Not once did he appear uncertain or overwhelmed by the situation, and that confidence went straight through the lead to his dog. When they were signaled into third place, he shook the judge’s hand before accepting the award and courteously congratulated each of his fellow winners before leaving the ring. Overall, his gallantry, sportsmanship, and all-round good manners put them to shame. But the absolute best moment was his unreserved joy when he kneeled down and praised his teammate with a heartfelt hug. All this was captured live on the Crufts jumbotron and instantly beamed around the globe. It showed the true nature of this game at its very best. Apparently, mass media doesn’t agree.

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Posted by chesliepickett on Mar 12 2015. 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.