Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Crufts 2008

Today sees the start of the world famous Crufts dog show, which will run until Sunday 9th March.  Dog owners and lovers from all over the world, around twenty six different countries in fact, will flock to the NEC Exhibition Centre in Birmingham to see the creme de la creme of dog breeds gather to find the UK’s top dog.

Over the four days, it is estimated around 153,000 visitors will make their way through the doors, not to mention around 100,000 paws.  The event is hosted by the Kennel Club and is the world’s largest dog show according to the Guinness Book of Records.

As well as the highly coveted Best Dog in Show award, others include the Obedience World Cup (I should probably wait before entering Bailey in that one..),  and the Kennel Gazette Junior Warrant Trial.  Much of the show will be televised on BBC2.

Aside from all the competing, Crufts also offers visitors a wealth of dog lover information, products and advice from the abundance of stalls, trade stands and charities that also attend.  It’s also a great place to meet dog handlers, discover new breeds and find out which dog could be right for you.  If you’ve never been, you should.