Newf at crufts

Angela

Angela

Super Moderator
Amazing, what a gorgeous Newf. Refreshing to see the owner handling her. I heard that at Crufts there are not as many professional handlers as over here. I also was very impressed that there were 172 Newfs entered, whereas in Westminster there were only approx. 20!!
 
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Newfs Forever

New member
Angela said:
Amazing, what a gorgeous Newf. Refreshing to see the owner handling her. I heard that at Crufts there are not as many professional handlers as over here. I also was very impressed that there were 172 Newfs entered, whereas in Westminster there were only approx. 20!!
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Angela

I know nothing about showing, so does this mean that Westminster is much tougher than Crufts for the breeds?
 
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wrknnwf

Active member
Only the top 5 AKC dogs in each breed are actually invited to Westminster along with National Specialty Winners. The rest of the non-invited dogs have certain requirements to enter such as winning a major at an AKC event. There are a maximum number of entries allowed at the show, so it's not open to just anyone. This naturally cuts down on the amount of dogs that can enter the show. I don't know how Crufts works.

Some people don't like showing at Westminster because it's a benched show in a particularly crowded building. Dogs are required to be on display in the benching area at all times, so it's very hard on the dogs with a steady stream of public passing by all day. And it tends to be hot in the building. It's also not convenient for potty breaks from what I've heard. Few shows in the US are benched anymore and the dogs are generally held in the grooming area or outside the venue with freedom to come and go as the handler pleases.

So unless someone has a really, really great dog with a good chance of winning, there's not a lot of point in going and subjecting your dog to the stress. I know a few owners who have declined the invitation and some who have said they will never go again.

I do love that Crufts seems a lot more casual. The handlers are dressed in everyday clothes and appear more relaxed. No sequined jackets, heels, suits like Westminster. And not as much grandstanding at Crufts when stacking a dog. They just appear to be completely different atmospheres.
 
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victoria1140

victoria1140

Active member
To qualify for crufts you have to get a top three position in a championship or accredited show.then you can apply to show at crufts.

It's benched seating but you are allowed to take them off the benches once they've shown.

Toilet areas both sides of the benched areas and you can take your dog out to certain areas but they're not supposed to leave until 4pm unless via vets recommendation or special circumstances.

The benches aren't what l call ideal but l've shown there once with Beau and it was fun but l wouldn't want to do it seriously
 
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wrknnwf

Active member
What was the kerfuffle when BIS was awarded? Did someone get dog piled in the arena?
 
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wrknnwf

Active member
Amazing security! Figures it was those people who claim to be ethical.

Seems the whippet owner had more ethics when she whisked her pooch away from harm.

That nut should be grateful that the Akita owner didn't turn his dog loose.

When I was showing Piper, we were warned by the show superintendant to keep a close eye on our dogs. Peta was going around to dogs shows in the US letting dogs out of their crates, and there were reports that some dogs had been poisoned. It's sad when you have to padlock your dog's crate while you go pee.
 
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Newfs Forever

New member
Thanks for the info. For many years I have heard of the shortcomings of Westminster.

So I guess the only other question I have is you will only go to Westminster if you think you have a pretty good chance of a win, whether breed group or show???
 
victoria1140

victoria1140

Active member
Apparently they wrestled down three protestors.

The whippets owner was great at getting her dog out of the way fast.

The protesters were lucky the Akita didn't bite them as it was that direction they took one down in.

Feel sorry that the event was spoilt for the winners
 
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wrknnwf

Active member
Newfs Forever said:
Thanks for the info. For many years I have heard of the shortcomings of Westminster.

So I guess the only other question I have is you will only go to Westminster if you think you have a pretty good chance of a win, whether breed group or show???
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Well it's hard to speak for anyone else. There is a certain amount of prestige in showing at one of these mega events. And showing anywhere can be a test of your endurance.

But if someone has been campaigning a dog, taking it to many events all year, and doing really well, it would make sense to go to Westminster. You're up against the top dogs in the nation, not just an average variety and probably not the same dogs you've been competing with regionally, so you have to believe your dog has a very good chance to win the breed.
 
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wrknnwf

Active member
victoria1140 said:
Apparently they wrestled down three protestors.

The whippets owner was great at getting her dog out of the way fast.

The protesters were lucky the Akita didn't bite them as it was that direction they took one down in.

Feel sorry that the event was spoilt for the winners
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You know, it probably isn't the smartest place to protest so vigorously, especially when the RAF dogs and other police dogs are holding their displays.

And with the terrorist activity today, the chances of being taken out by gunshot are increased, although I'm sure the police wouldn't fire into a crowed arena. I was reading some tweets that called the protesters "terrier-ists". Sort of funny if it wasn't so sad.

At least the whippet and pointer owners will remember it was an eventful day, in more ways than one.

I also noted that the presenters grabbed the trophies and made a hasty retreat. But it seemed that the other dog handlers in the back were in some sort of shock and stood their ground. I think I'd run like all hell was chasing me on the off chance there was a bomb or firearms involved.

Anyway, it was an exciting conclusion to a great show. I'd love to go as a spectator some time. Crufts just seems like it has more to offer the public than Westminster, but a lot of that has to do with the rich history of the participating countries as well as the superior TV and film coverage.

One of my favorite groups was the gameskeeper class. I just love that these are truly everyday working dogs and handlers, fulfilling their purpose. And so many other working dogs showing in all venues. Not just pretty faces.

The icing on the cake is the commentators and announcers, who aren't as scripted as ours and are actually having as much fun as the other spectators. Their delight was evident in the Heelwork to Music and the Agility classes. Watching Westminster on TV, you hear the same old dialogue year after year after year. Then they punctuate that with really bad comedic comments.

As a US citizen, if I had to choose one over the other to attend, it would be Crufts.
 
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