The 120th Annual Crufts dog show got underway in England yesterday with some special events prior to the start of the conformance judging.
There was an agility show, then a police dog demo. PC Hollier and his dog Jasper, along with PC Jones and his dog Cain were awarded the Police Dog Team Operational and Humanitarian Action of the Year 2010 Award for their teamwork, courage, and professionalism during the search for Derek Bird, a fugitive who killed 12 people and injured 11 others before killing himself.
As a benefit for the Kennel Club’s Charitable Trust, dog collars designed by celebrities and donated by Holly & Lil Dog Accessories were raffled off. You can still get in on the auction by visiting the Trust’s e-bay page.
Paul and Hilda Monaghan of Tweedsmuir Kennels won the Breeder’s Competition for their outstanding Clumber Spaniels.
Finally, the conformance judging began, starting with Gundogs. About 5,000 dogs started in the competition, and 31 were selected Best of Breed. A Flatcoated Retriever, Sh Ch Vbos The Kentuckian (aka Jet) was judged Best in Group. Jet lives with Mr. J. M. Irvine in South Queensferry, Edinburgh. They are pictured above.
Today, the Working and Pastoral Groups will be judged. You can catch all of the action on the live Internet stream from the arena. (Some of the video is free, but most requires that you buy a ticket to view.)
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!