Countdown to 119th Crufts gamekeeper gundog classes

Crufts provides an opportunity for keepers to show their dogs

By Selena Masson

Friday, 12 March 2010

Despite controversy surrounding Crufts’ breed standards, hundreds of gundogs are being prepared for the show ring

In just four days time, working gundogs from across the UK will be shown in the BASC gamekeeping classes at Crufts, the largest dog show in the world.

More than 22,000 dogs of 186 pedigree breeds will compete at the show. The gundog group has attracted the most entries, with the Labrador retriever, golden retriever, cocker spaniel, Irish setter and flat coated retriever the most represented at the show.

The gundog day will be held on 14 March at the NEC in Birmingham where BASC will host three rings for working gundogs. The winners of the gamekeeper classes throughout the day will go head-to-head in a final show in the main arena for the Northesk memorial trophy.

Since the BBC aired the controversial documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed in August 2008, the show has faced a tumultuous couple of years over allegations that it promotes breeding standards that cause deformities and health problems in dogs.

The rest of this article appears in 10th March issue of Shooting Times.