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Is your gundog ready for Crufts 2016?

Owners of working gundogs need to register for the BASC gamekeepers' classes at Crufts by 4 January 2016

The gamekeepers’ classes at Crufts 2016 are open to gamekeepers, owners of working gundogs, gundog teams and young handlers. Once again the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) -the UK’s largest shooting organisation –  will host these particular classes which will be held on Gundog Day, Friday 11 March 2016, at the NEC in Birmingham.

The BASC gamekeepers’ classes are unique at Crufts because they give handlers the opportunity to show working gundogs in their prime. The top individual dogs owned by gamekeepers will go head-to-head in a final show in the main arena for the Best in Gamekeeping Class title and the chance to win the Northesk Memorial Trophy.

Following on from last year’s popular success, an invitation-only demonstration scurry will be held during the lunch interval.

Working gundogs at biggest dog show in the world

Matt Dutton, one of BASC’s game and gamekeeping officers, said: “This is a great opportunity to see working gundogs being shown at the biggest dog show in the world.  I would encourage anyone with a working dog to come and enter the BASC gamekeepers’ classes. We’ll make you very welcome.”

Clumber spaniels

Clumber spaniels at Crufts

Ian Grindy, the chairman of BASC’s game and gameshooting committee, said: “All of the dogs who are getting ready to take part have just finished a busy shooting season. BASC’s rings at Crufts provide a showcase of working gundogs to a global audience and give their handlers an opportunity to show these animals in their prime.”

For a schedule and entry form contact BASC’s game and gamekeeping team on 01244 573019. Entries close on 4 January 2016.