WORLD famous dog show Crufts returns today as more pampered ca canines take to the ring to be crowned this year's Best In Show.
As well as showing the perfect pets jump hurdles and chase balls, the TV coverage of Crufts will be educational.
Viewers will learn about dog breeding and ownership, with an emphasis on health and welfare.
Coverage of the annual event begins at 9am today, with the show's final set to air this Sunday, where fans will finally find out who will take home the best in show award.
You can watch live judging and highlights from the main arena on Channel 4 and More 4.
Read our Crufts live blog below for the latest updates…
- Shanine Bruder
It's carnival time at Crufts
Watch the moment this well trained pooch puts on a paw-fect performance.
- Shanine Bruder
What does William and Kate’s choice of pooch reveal about them?
Vet Clare Hamilton has given an insight into how their pets and personalities match up.
Prince William and his wife Kate’s choice of cocker spaniel Lupo means they are charming, trustworthy and affectionate, according to the experts.
Clare says: “It’s a chilled-out pooch, always happy to see you, bouncy and full of life.”
- Shanine Bruder
How can I enter my dog in Crufts?
Entries to the 2023 Crufts have already closed as the competition is underway.
The application process for 2024 will open once the 2023 tournament is over – so keep checking the Crufts website.
There is certain criteria your dog must reach to be entered into the legendary Crufts.
The most important thing is that your dog is Kennel Club registered – that is a record of your puppy being born.
Owners receive Registration Certificate with micro chip number and DNA tests for the dog.
If you wanted to go one step further you can get a Pedigree Certificate which has all the details of the breed, a pedigree name and five generations of your dog's ancestors.
If you dog is not Kennel Club registered you can enter with an authority to compete number (ATC) but you need to apply for this by the December before Crufts begins.
- Shanine Bruder
Where is Crufts 2023 filmed?
The Kennel Club competition is broadcast from the Birmingham NEC but you can go and explore the event in person too.
Tickets are available on the Crufts website and vary in price from £12 to £165.
A ticket to Sunday's famous Best in Show competition could set you back £55.
There are a variety of stands and lots of demonstrations as well as agility trials and other competitions.
- Louis Allwood
Which dogs have won Crufts?
- 2022 – Retriever Baxter
- 2020 – Wire-Haired Dachshund Maisie
- 2019 – Papillon Dylan
- 2018 – Whippet Tease
- 2017 – American Spaniel Afterglow Miami Ink
- 2016 – West Highland White Terrier Devon
- 2015 – Scottish Terrier Russia With Love
- 2014 – Poodle Afterglow Maverick Sabre
- 2013 – Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Soletrader Peek A Boo
- 2012 – Lhasa Apso Zentarr Elizabeth
- 2011 – Flat-Coated Retriever Vbos The Kentuckian
- 2010 – Hungarian Vizsla Hungargunn Bear It’n Mind
Can I buy tickets to Crufts 2023?
The Kennel Club competition is broadcast from the Birmingham NEC but you can go and explore the event in person too.
Tickets are available on the Crufts website and vary in price from £12 to £165.
A ticket to Sunday’s famous Best in Show competition could set you back £55.
There are a variety of stands and lots of demonstrations as well as agility trials and other competitions.
This years hero dog award nominations
- Child's Champion – Springer Spaniel, Bertie and his fundraising buddy, Ashley
- Extraordinary Life of a Working Dog – retired Police Dog Stella, and her owner PC Claire Todd
- Hero Support Dog – Dogs for Good assistance dog, Albert, and his owner, Jemima
- Rescue Dog Hero – Medical Detection Dog Asher and his owner, Claire
- Best Friends- family pet, Beauty, and the Bellamy family
Slight distraction
Watch the moment this well trained pooch gets slightly distracted whilst performing at Crufts.
Who is Sophie Morgan?
Sophie Morgan was born on February 24, 1985.
She is a TV presenter born near Crowborough, East Sussex, to a wealthy family.
She was educated in South Croydon and subsequently in Moray in Scotland.
The TV star has fought to provide representation for disabled people.
As well as working in TV Sophie invented the Mannequal which is a wheelchair for mannequins in clothing shops.
Sophie will be presenting coverage of crufts 2023.
- Louis Allwood
Pictured: Dogs with style at Crufts
Credit: PA Credit: PA Credit: PA - Louis Allwood
What is the schedule for Crufts today?
Crufts is split into different categories over the four day competition.
Today the category is Gundog and the schedule can be found below:
- 12:55pm Agility – Crufts Novice Cup Final (Agility)
- 1:50pm Agility – Championships – Intermediate/Large (Agility)
- 3.10pm Flyball Competition – Last 16
- 3:50pm Freestyle Heelwork to Music Competition Winner
- 3.55pm West Midlands Police Display
- 4.20pm Break
- 5pm Agility – Championships – Intermediate/Large Final
- 5pm Junior Warrant Competition Final
- 6pm Breeders Competition Final
- 6.25pm Gundog Display
- 6.45pm Gamekeepers Competition Final
- 7pm The Kennel Club 150th anniversary celebration stakes (presentation of painting to 2022 BIS winner)
- 7.20pm Group Judging (Gundog) and Presentation
- 8.10pm Programme ends
Top tips for pampering your dog
DISCOUNT MENU: Lilyskitchen.co.uk promises high-quality naturally nutritious food for cats and dogs.
New customers can bag 30 per cent off their first order with the code PROPER.
Purepetfood.com also offers 30 per cent off your first box and ten per cent off your next two.
Tails.com has personalised dog food based on breed, age and other factors. Get 50 per cent of your first box when you sign up online.
And YuMove joint supplements for dogs offers a one-month trial for £10.
BULK BUY: Buying 12kg bags of food are often the most cost-effective and if you find a brand your pet likes, some retailers offer discounts for repeat orders.
For example, Jollyes has ten per cent off select dry dog food through repeat and save.
CASHBACK: Don’t forget you can get cashback on most pet supplies.
For example, Top Cashback offers 5.95 per cent back on Monster pet supplies and up to 8.5 per cent back on Pets At Home.
What time can you watch Crufts today?
Crufts will be on Channel 4 today at 3pm and 8pm showing all of the latest action.
Clare Balding and Sophie Morgan will be presenting the coverage of the celebrated dog show at the NEC in Birmingham.
Fans can tune in to watch the Flyball heats.
Some interesting styles this year
Crufts has kicked off today and some owners have dressed their pooches in some very adorable outfits to protect them from the cold.
The first agility run looks amazing
Look at Zhanisgo fly round the course as the 2 year old becomes the first pooch to take on this years agility run.
- Louis Allwood
Top tips on keeping your dog safe in the snow
- Keep your dog on a lead if it is snowing heavily
Snow can be unusual and exciting for dogs. - Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and an ID tag and is microchipped
It is important to ensure your microchipping database is up to date with your address and contact details. - Make sure you wipe your dog's legs, feet and stomach after a walk
The grit from the roads and dampness from rain or snow can irritate their skin. - Never leave your dog in the car Whether it's a hot or cold day outside, leaving your dog in a car is very dangerous and should never be an option.
- Don’t let your dog walk on frozen ponds
The ice may not be thick enough to take their weight. If your dog does fall through the ice never be tempted to go in after them. If possible, encourage them to swim back to you and call the emergency services. - Antifreeze is highly poisonous but tasty to dogs
Keep it well out of their reach and mop up any spills! - Regularly check your dog's leads, collars and harnesses
Make sure they are all functioning safely and not at risk of wear and tear or damage during winter weather.
If it's extra cold it can be very difficult to do up lead clips and attach them to collars and harnesses. Wet weather may also make metal clips rust. - Safety first Your own safety is important too. Make sure that you are dressed appropriately for the weather with a suitable coat and shoes. Make sure you're as visible as your dog is.
Do dogs need foot protection in snow?
Footwear can help you keep your dog's paws protected from snow, ice, salt, and ice melt chemicals.
Always make sure any footwear is comfortable for your pet as many do not like wearing boots for the winter.
What are the dangers of walking my dog in the snow?
Aside from the obvious dangers of slipping and falling, snow presents a number of other risks.
Snow can often be treated with chemicals, which can be dangerous for your pup's paws.
Slush and ice in particular is sometimes treated with antifreeze which is hazardous for dogs – so steer clear if you spot that.
In addition, salt grit contains chemicals which can result in burns on pets' paws if they have prolonged contact with the grit.
Try to avoid walking on gritted surfaces with your pooch and rinse their feet when you get home.
Ice balls are also a danger – particularly for dogs with hairy feet.
They can form between your dog's toes and pads of their paws and cause pain.
Checking their feet when you finish your walk can help this issue.
What can I do to protect my dog on a walk?
Walking your dog in snowy conditions is fine to do but you should be more wary than usual when taking them out.
The snowy surfaces make it far easier for dogs to get lost or disorientated.
Wear the correct footwear yourself as well – it could be equally as slippery for you, so make sure you are properly dressed to avoid taking a tumble.
Remember to take it slowly and don't forget to "walk like a penguin".
Always keep an eye on your pet.
If you see them struggling in the cold weather, head home as soon as possible.
How to know when it’s too cold to walk your pooch
According to Academics from Tufts University in Massachusetts, USA, there are some important temperature ranges to take note of.
The Daily Mail reports that they say if temperatures go between -1C and 4C, it could be considered ‘potentially unsafe’ for small and medium sized dogs.
However, if your dog is on the larger size, the temperatures to bear in mind are -6C and 1C.
They also claim that there are ‘potentially dangerous temperatures’ which dogs should not be exposed to for any longer than needed.
These are -4C for small dogs, and between -4C to -9C for medium dogs.
But, even when you are outside, you still need to be very aware of how the cold weather and snow can impact your pooch.
We took our huge bearded collie to the groomer and came back with ‘completely different dog’
A dog loving couple who took their huge bearded collie to the groomer were left baffled when it came back completely unrecognisable.
TikToker @gemrose03 captured the hilarious transformation of the shaggy pooch on her social media.
At the start of the video, the big dog is seen lounging around with excessive hair, so long, viewers cannot see its eyes.
The collie is then taken to the groomer where his hair is shaved almost completely off.
Although coming out looking like a different breed, the dog looked happy and was seen wagging its tail.
- Louis Allwood
Top tips for pampering your pooch
Here are the best deals to take care of your furry friend.
TOP DOG: Join Pets At Home’s free VIP club for a ten per cent off voucher.
The membership includes tailored offers such as a £10 health check at Vets4Pets.
GOODY BAG: The free Tiny Paws puppy and kitten club at Petsandfriends.co.uk offers a welcome bundle worth £30, as well as ongoing offers and information on looking after your pet.
You can also get ten per cent off your first order when you join the retailer’s email list.
POINTS FOR PETS: Customers of Zooplus.co.uk get one point for every £1 spent.
The points can then be redeemed in the rewards shop which features treats and toys for pets.
- Louis Allwood
Pictured: Dogs arrive at Crufts 2023 despite the weather
Pampered pooches have started to arrive at this year's Crufts.
Despite the snow, thousands of owners are expected to arrive at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham today.
Credit: Getty Credit: Getty Credit: Getty - Louis Allwood
Do Crufts allow mixed breeds?
Crufts is a competition for pedigree dogs.
However, cross and mixed-breed dogs can compete in the Scrufts section of the show.
This part of competition was introduced in 2013.
- Louis Allwood
Which dogs have won Crufts?
- 2022 – Retriever Baxter
- 2020 – Wire-Haired Dachshund Maisie
- 2019 – Papillon Dylan
- 2018 – Whippet Tease
- 2017 – American Spaniel Afterglow Miami Ink
- 2016 – West Highland White Terrier Devon
- 2015 – Scottish Terrier Russia With Love
- 2014 – Poodle Afterglow Maverick Sabre
- 2013 – Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Soletrader Peek A Boo
- 2012 – Lhasa Apso Zentarr Elizabeth
- 2011 – Flat-Coated Retriever Vbos The Kentuckian
- 2010 – Hungarian Vizsla Hungargunn Bear It’n Mind
Source: Read Full Article
- Keep your dog on a lead if it is snowing heavily
