Crufts 2025, Love it or Hate it?

I’m not a fan.
Disclaimer: over the years we’ve had 3 pedigree dogs.

I'm a dog lover. One of those who prefers dogs to many humans

Not a fan of Crufts. It's grim. I grew up with pedigree dogs, we always had English Setters, Afghans, Irish wolfhounds. All glorious but I prefer a rescue dog

We've had about 14 over the years. Greyhounds, (gorgeous), lurcher, Jack Russell's X, mixed breeds galore.

We only have one at present, a senior JR with an expanding waistline. Bit like me

I love the judging show, but dislike the flyball and agility, very boring after a while. I loved the two class winners yesterday. The Jack Russell and Whippet had that certain something that made their characters stand out. It was obvious that they loved taking part.
Showing would not be for me, but I admire the dedication of those who do, as long as the dogs have plenty of ordinary family fun between times.

I forgot to watch it this afternoon ( got a rotten cold and don’t feel quite with it). Enjoyed yesterdays, even enjoyed the flyball. It must be really exciting to take part in. My dogs breeder won best veteran with her greyhound and it was lovely to see the whippet do so well. There seemed to be more brindles and even a couple of black and whites in the final. The Jack Russell that won was adorable.

I’m another dog lover who is no fan of Crufts. The features which have been bred into some breeds of dogs which are sought by the judges are nothing short of cruel. I never watch it, on principle.

Never been inclined to watch it, so I suppose hate it

Just seen a gorgeous clip of Ernest, puppy who is being trained for the police force I believe. He's sound asleep on his trainer's shoulder.

I feel a bit sorry for the dogs.

Allsorts

I feel a bit sorry for the dogs.

Why?

JamesandJon33

Never been inclined to watch it, so I suppose hate it

I think you are allowed to be indifferent.

I like parts of Crufts, but do agree that’s it’s a bit harsh on the dogs having to be constantly driven all over the country and bathed and groomed so much.

Having said that, I do like the agility and all the other bits where dogs are working or showing a skill, in my experience dogs enjoy the bits where they actually can do something, especially working dogs.

Has anyone come across Dock Dogs? Our working cocker lived this, though we only did it for fun.

My dog would adore to be driven all over the country & bathed & groomed a lot. He loves all 3.

It's really interesting now that we are getting so many foreign breeds. At one time you rarely saw anything that wasn't in the I-Spy Dogs book. Sadly dogs like the German Shepherd are getting more deformed every year, but the Border Collies in Fly Ball make up for a lot!

I don’t think they can begin to make up for the suffering caused by the deliberately bred deformities.

Hate it. My dogs are mixed rescue mutts and their life is all about running free with other dogs, rolling in all sorts, sleeping in the hay in the sun, or in their bed dreaming of catching rabbits.

merlotgran

Allsorts

I feel a bit sorry for the dogs.

Why?

Being washed, brushed, hair dried, and not allowed to do what normal dogs do, have fun in nature. And all the transport and waiting in cages, etc, etc. That on top of all the ridiculous breeding for fashionable traits which put so many of them at huge risk.

The Kennel Club has a lot to answer for

Claremont

merlotgran

Allsorts

I feel a bit sorry for the dogs.

Why?

Being washed, brushed, hair dried, and not allowed to do what normal dogs do, have fun in nature. And all the transport and waiting in cages, etc, etc. That on top of all the ridiculous breeding for fashionable traits which put so many of them at huge risk.

Aren't normal dogs shampooed, dried and brushed?

Ours were. One cocker spaniel used to love nothing better than getting filthy and needed bathing.
Our terrier didn't like it be but it was better than ending up being shaved because his fur got so matted.

I do agree about some of the breeding traits which can cause problems, for instance with breathing.

A beauty parade for dogs!

I knew someone who was a judge at Crufts.
She looked for good breed characteristics and temperament.
As a breeder herself, she knew what made a winner and it wasn't unnatural breeding.

Good post Allira. The couple who bred my lab are at `crufts as are other people I know. I’m aware the KC isn’t perfect and agree with concerns that breed standard has caused problems in some breeds. German Shepherds my biggest worry, with those extended low backs thst legs seem unable to support. Having said that, there are 6 young GSD’s in our training group, with strong healthy outlines and great temperament.

I’m more worried about unscrupulous puppy farms, hobby breeders, poodles crossed with any breed with no regard for health or temperament. Thousands charged, pups sold to first time owners who leave the pup 8-10 hours because they work.
Etc. no wonder we have so many dogs in rescue with behavioural problems

Claire Balding did a good interview with a vet and behaviourist -min the show educates 2 people, it’s work is done

I love dogs and would hope that the show dogs on Crufts actually enjoy the experience, but I wonder if it is all part of a circuit and they are just shipped from one contest to another with trophies and rosettes displayed by the owners in their homes. I fear it might be, and that would not be enjoyable for the dogs.
The trouble is dogs are usually amenable and will do as their owner bids them to do, and so end up in shows like this, you would never find any self respecting cat agreeing to it.

They’ve been giving some very good advice this week. I think Clare is a very good presenter and she genuinely loves dogs. If anyone has read her book, My Animals and Other Family, she was pretty much reared by the family’s Boxers who seemed far more maternal than her mother.

We haven’t gone to Crufts this year (DD2 too busy). There’s a lot more to the event than just showing. The Discover Dogs section is always our first and favourite destination.
It’s difficult to explain, but dogs become used to the lifestyle of showing and I believe enjoy it - after all it’s spending time with their owners and pleasing them. I suppose the same could be said for horses and farm animals transported from one County Show to another - not to mention numerous shows for rabbits, cavies, cats and birds.
We had working dogs who were exercised and trained daily, but when DH appeared at their kennel in a certain outfit, the excitement grew as they knew they were in for real work. Such dogs get a mental as well as a physical workout.
Iam64 is spot on with the issue of some designer dogs, (mongrels) often sold to owners who literally don’t have a clue where to start. The dog is so pampered that it becomes ‘top dog’ and rules the home, often with disastrous results! As cute and loving as they are - part of the family too, but dogs are animals and I don’t believe they should be dressed up and carried around for their owner’s entertainment. During Covid, my friend’s sons both bought such dogs, at hugely inflated prices, one a goldendoodle, the other a cockerpoo - both sons teach and she has had to step into exercise both dogs 5 days a week. She does it with good grace, as it gives her a good daily walk - but neither dog can be off-lead, as they have no recall. DH said he could have taught that in a week, but his offer was declined, as he wasn’t well.

As for Clare - we sat beside her at Crufts a couple of years ago - she was charming.
Being brought up around animals all her life makes her a good, knowledgeable host and I hope people heed what advice she and various guests offer.