Dog Shows

Hundreds of dog shows are held all over the UK every year. We have a few dog shows listed on our site but we would like to see more.

Crufts

We could not do a page on dog shows in the UK without mentioning Crufts (officially the largest dog show in the world).

The 2010 Crufts event will be held at the NEC, Birmingham between 11th - 14th March 2010.

• 11th - Working and Pastoral
• 12th - Terrier and Hound
• 13th – Toy and Utility
• 14th - Gundog

A list of recognised Kennel Club Breeds

Hounds

Working dogs

Terrier

Utility

Pastoral

Toy

Gundogs

Listed Dog Shows

Types of dog show

The Kennel Club have nine formal names for different types of dog shows. The categories are:

• Agility
  As the name suggests this is an active sport for dog and handler. Using only voice commands and gestures, the handler must guide the dog through a number of obstacles (Seesaw, Crossover, Tunnel, Jump, Weave poles, Pause box or table, Tire jump, hurdles, A-frame), in the fastest time and without gaining penalty points for going in the wrong direction or missing an obstacle all together.
  
  
• Companion Dog Show
  Often part of charity fundraising events, village fetes etc where all dogs are welcome. If you want to run one you can get advice from the Kennel Club, who describe this type of event as being straight forward to organise and great fun.
  
  
• Flyball
  This is a competition event where teams of dogs jump over four hurdles, hit a peddle to release a ball then run back over the hurdles. Two teams compete against each other in each round.
  
  
• Heelwork To Music
  Another competitive event. Each owner creates a four minute routine to match a piece of music. This is really popular and fun event.
  
  
• Limited Show
  
  
• Open Show
  Only Kennel Club registered dogs are eligible, and you will need to enter by post 2-3 weeks in advance. These are usually 1 or 2 day events with hundreds of dogs. Individual and mixed breed classes are held.
  
• Obedience
  
  
• Premier Open Show
  This type of event is exactly the same as an ordinary Open Show except with the chance to qualify for Crufts. To qualify the dog would need to be Best of Breed where at least three classes where available. Five or more for stud book band E.
  
  
• Working Trial Show
  Both the dog and the owner are going to need to be fit for this one. The competitions are split into stakes starting with Companion, then Utility, Working, Patrol and finally Tracking Dog. The goal is to win the Patrol and Tracking stakes to be awarded the title of Working Trial Champion.
  

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