h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Those that know me are well aware that I am no fan of the Kennel Club nor of show breeders. However, a visit to this years Crufts Dog Show at the NEC has converted me, a little.


On the whole, the KC's mission statements, of promoting healthy active dogs through programmed breeding techniques, seems very plaudible. And cetainly they have made great efforts to promote dogs that are harmonious with humans, through activities like the good citizens, Dogs as therapy, and young kannel club activities. Well done KC.


Where I feel that they fall short of thier own ideals is demonstrated by the atitude shown to White Boxers. Although the practice of culling 'whites' is on the decline, a dog showing more than a third of its base colour as white cannot be shown. KC is happy to take your registration fee however. The theory is that whites can suffer similar health problems to albinos. True, more whites suffer from deafness, but as someone who is in contact with many white boxer owners, it is not significantly more common than the base colours, brindle and red. Time for review KC.


I was aprehensive before the show, expecting to find many unhappy dogs in a very restricted space. Not quite what i discovered after a whole day spent at Crufts. Space is limited, but breeders and handlers are encouraged to make use of toilet areas (specially set aside) and can move dogs around as freely as they wish. The holding pens are larger than the kennels we use for transportation and are only enclosed on 3 sides (giving dogs a good opportunity to nose at passers by), tie rings are well fixed to the floor of the pens to provide more than adequate anchorage for leads. Well done KC.

Many notices emind owners/handlers not to leave dogs unattended for more than 30 minutes. Most owners seldom leave thier dogs alone for so long. Well don both KC and owners.
One reason for this is the practice of doping competitors dogs, a practice which I suspect (but did not witness) still goes on.

With the above in mind, it is with considerable delight that I am pleased to praise all the handlers that we encountered, who were more than happy for thier loved ones to be fussed by total strangers, provided you ask first (as you should when approaching any animal).

Indeed, everyone who was involved is to be praised for how well the event is run. No distressed animals, few distressed humans and an eyeopener to those who have not been before. Not to mention the ability to shop for bargains for your loved ones (Which VFRgal is expert at).

If you have the chance to visit the show next year I recommend going midweek (thankfully, working dogs are Thursday next year). Visit the discover dogs area and meet well informed breeders and tired but happy dogs. Each and everyone will pull at your heart (special thanks to the well travelled chap who was showing bearded collies, I learnt a great deal and admire your well presented, lovable, bitch.).

You must spend time at one of the judging rings. You will be amazed at how easy it is to pick finalists and how hard it is to pick a winner. It was interesting to see dogs yet to enter who looked clear winners, then failing to show themselves in the ring (sometimes down to the handlers technique). And others, who looked disinterested, who turn on the glamour only in the ring.

We've met rescue dogs, rescued dogs, search dogs, show dogs, display dogs. You name it and we've been lucky enough to come across it.

I said that I've changed my mind about some breeders. This is because there are those who do it for the love of the breed. To promote the type of dog they love and introduce newcomers to that breed. I actually admire and envy these people.

There are those who do it for fame, glory and money. Although prize money is poor (between a hundred and several hondred pounds, I think), the money to be made from breeding stock is immense. These people I still loathe.

A final gripe. To those that left thier dogs alone (some dogs never had any humans near them). You are a disgrace to the KC, breeders and public who would dearly love to own such dogs and give them the attention and love they deserve.

Would I go again? Yes, for me working dogs day is a very enjoyable day and a great opportunity to meet like minded folk whose love of dogs may be even greater than mine. I did say maybe!

Sounds like you and me have a similar opinion of this whole breeding/KC malarky but any improvement is a good thing - even if it a bit too slow.

Glad you enjoyed the day.

Did the boys have a fun time at the outlaws?

The boys tummys were 'ify', so I guess they got loads of treats. They were furious when we left, Diesel thought he was off to the lakes again.

Interesting comparing them to the 'cream of britain', their weight is spot on (athletic, but not thin), Ds upper jaw is slightly under shot (should be 1/3 head size, he is 1/4), But D's looks are definately pedigree, he loves attention and would probably have enjoyed being shown. H has a slightly square jaw but would be 10/10 elsewhere.

We are going to a boxer show in the summer and are going to enter the 'Lamcur' boys for a couple of events. It's only Boxer lovers meeting up and isn't taken seriously, so they can have fun and we'll pull them out of any event they aren't happy in. And they will not be the only whites, yippee.