* Make sure you go to the very end to see the real star of the show *
Dog shows did take place before Crufts was established and the first ever Crufts dog-show was held in 1886. It is, of course, named after its founder, Charles Cruft. He worked for a dog biscuit manufacturer where he made contacts in the canine world. He decided there was a need for a higher standard of dog show to those which already existed and his First Great Terrier Show took place in 1886 with 600 entries. The first dog show to bear his name: Crufts was held five years later, in 1891 at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington and there were over 2,000 entries.
Crufts did not take place during 1918 - 1920 because of the First World War. The very first dog to be awarded 'Best in Show' was a Greyhound called Primley Sceptre, in 1928.
It's popularity grew year by year and when Charles Cruft died in 1938 his widow ran it for another four years. The organisation became too time consuming so to guarantee the future and reputation of Crufts she sold it to The Kennel Club.
Crufts was once again suspended from 1940 - 1947 due to the Second World War and in 1948 it was held for the first time under the patronage of The Kennel Club.
Obedience classes were introduced and in 1955 Cruft's became and Obedience Championship Show.
Today there are over 20,000 competitors and lots more to see and do than in those early days.
In 1994, as part of the Kennel Club's commitment to encouraging responsible dog ownership, Discover Dogs was introduced and this is where you can see almost every breed possible, talk to the owners and learn all about them.
American Akita Mitch
Bleu de Gascogne (Grand)
lots of unusual breeds to see
© Karen Ette 2014
Dog shows did take place before Crufts was established and the first ever Crufts dog-show was held in 1886. It is, of course, named after its founder, Charles Cruft. He worked for a dog biscuit manufacturer where he made contacts in the canine world. He decided there was a need for a higher standard of dog show to those which already existed and his First Great Terrier Show took place in 1886 with 600 entries. The first dog show to bear his name: Crufts was held five years later, in 1891 at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington and there were over 2,000 entries.
Crufts did not take place during 1918 - 1920 because of the First World War. The very first dog to be awarded 'Best in Show' was a Greyhound called Primley Sceptre, in 1928.
It's popularity grew year by year and when Charles Cruft died in 1938 his widow ran it for another four years. The organisation became too time consuming so to guarantee the future and reputation of Crufts she sold it to The Kennel Club.
Crufts was once again suspended from 1940 - 1947 due to the Second World War and in 1948 it was held for the first time under the patronage of The Kennel Club.
Obedience classes were introduced and in 1955 Cruft's became and Obedience Championship Show.
Today there are over 20,000 competitors and lots more to see and do than in those early days.
In 1994, as part of the Kennel Club's commitment to encouraging responsible dog ownership, Discover Dogs was introduced and this is where you can see almost every breed possible, talk to the owners and learn all about them.
lots of unusual breeds to see
Then, of course, after much consideration and deliberation, comes the Best of Breed followed by the Best in the Group for the final line-up for Supreme Champion.
We have:
VICTORIOUS STAR FACE TO FACE WITH CASKAYD
Colin aka CH UNBEATEN PREMIERA
James to lovely Irish Wolfhound
JUST IN TIME OF FIRST AVENUE
AFTERGLOW MAVERICK SABRE - This Year's Supreme Champion 2014
BUT THE SUPREME CHAMPION FOR ME WAS THE GORGEOUS MITCH
Photograph by Kelly White - thanks Kelly
