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dfs Crufts' 2011 Special Features
THE HUMAN SIDE OF dfs CRUFTS - March 17th 2011
Anyone who has not been to dfs Crufts could be forgiven for thinking it is just about glamorous dogs in show rings competing to be best in show, but these days, dfs Crufts has much more to offer. The show leans strongly towards promoting responsible dog ownership and highlights the importance of dogs in our lives. There is something to entertain dog lovers of all ages and there are wonderful facilities and opportunities for the physically impaired too.
Throughout five vast halls there are hundreds of trade stands offering everything from dog diets, dog accessories to dog arts and crafts, books and a great selection of outdoor clothes for humans too. In fact, if one can bear to think about Christmas shopping in March, there are some wonderful bargains to be had!
Discover Dogs, which takes up a large section in one of the halls, has done much to help prospective dog owners find dogs that are most suited to their individual needs. Families can fuss the dogs and talk to the owners and breeders who really know and understand their breed.
The entire show is so huge now that if you are there to see something specific, it is a good idea to make a target plan and carefully work out your route. It is impossible to visit everything in one day, as I, in my usual disorganised fashion, was to find out!
Knowing my trusty news editor, Nick Mays would be doing some excellent reports on the actual dog showing, I have made it my task to investigate dfs Crufts from the human/dog relationship view.
Last year I had the enormous good fortune to meet Anna Webb from ‘Paws PR’ who also appears with Joanne Good on BBC London’s, ‘Barking At The Moon’ who introduced me to the ‘Friends For Life’ Competition, a heart warming competition that raises consciousness of the amazing part dogs play in our lives. I am just glad that it is not up to me to pick a winner! The stories of how these dogs give support to their owners are all remarkable. (see this year's winner below and last year's runners up http://www.londondogforum.co.uk/c.do?category=457 )
Jill Moss, from the Bella Moss Foundation and I have an actress friend in common, and after introducing myself, she told me of the sterling work she is doing to educate vets, vet nurses and pet owners on the subject of MRSA both in the UK and the States. The public have long been aware of the ‘flesh eating’ disease caused by the antibiotic resistant bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and the dangers of hospital patients being infected, but there had been little awareness of the prevalence of this infection in veterinary surgeries until Jill started spreading the word. Unfortunately it was through the devastating loss of her own dog through this infection that Jill became a leading campaigner for the cause. (For further information on The Bella Moss Foundation http://www.londondogforum.co.uk/c.do?category=559)
On my arrival at dfs Crufts this year, I headed for the press office where I saw the familiar face of Alan Parton who is the founder of ‘Hounds for Heroes’. LDF has been writing articles since the charity’s launch and although I have seen many photos of Alan with his dog, EJ, it was a delight to be able to meet them face to face. Alan was just as charming as I had imagined and I promised to visit his stand during the afternoon but I am afraid that my lack of planning meant that I never managed to find them again. Next time Alan, I promise! (For more about Hounds for Heroes click http://www.londondogforum.co.uk/hounds-for-heroes-c508.html )
During my aimless wandering, I came face to face with an enormous Irish Wolfhound. Being a hound freak, I just had to give him a cuddle. This chap’s task was to collect donations for ‘Support Dogs’, a charity that trains assistance dogs to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, epilepsy and children with autism.
My next stop was to talk to a gorgeous little spaniel puppy who was attending with her ‘puppy walker’, Jenny. Volunteer puppy walkers take on potential ‘hearing dogs’ from the age of 8 weeks until they are 12 to 14 months old. I asked Jenny if it was a wrench to give up the puppy after forming what must be a close bond. She told me that she had been lucky in that her puppies’ recipients had all kept in touch with her, which was a great bonus, and there was always a new puppy to occupy her mind.
“You forget how much work it is after 12 months!” she added.
Jenny spoke of the Hearing Dogs most recent project to supply hearing dogs to deaf children.
“Parents love the fact that they don’t have to chase up their child to come to meals anymore as the dog does it for them!”
I continued my quest to find more dogs that enhance people’s lives in such remarkable ways but I confess to getting side-tracked by some adorable greyhounds that were there to support the Retired Greyhound Trust.
By the time I had looked at the marvellous dog paintings executed by members of the Young Kennel Club, had paused to watch the dogs taking part in the Good Citizen Award scheme and had a giggle with a large ‘human dog’ who was collecting for the Animal Asia foundation, I was running short of time. There were so many more support groups to whom I wanted to talk, but at least I left dfs Crufts safe in the knowledge that I had plenty more people and dogs to visit in future years!
Oh! Did I part with any money? Umm! Yes. I found the most marvellous invention to carry dog poo with dignity and lack of odour when your chosen dog walk is devoid of suitable bins - the Dicky Bag! People might think that this is a problem that only occurs out of London, but even in Hyde Park, there are long stretches of what is described as ‘heath land’ (or at least that is the excuse the authorities make for not providing bins in certain areas!) where you can guarantee that your dog will, to use a Dorset expression, “croupy down” !
To be continued next year...................!
FLATCOATED RETRIEVER JET CROWNED CRUFT'S CHAMPION - 14th March 2011
Jim Irvine from Southferry, Northern Ireland with his
Retriever (Flat Coated) called Jet, Best of Show winner at
dfs Crufts 2011 at the Birmingham NEC
THE 120th Crufts, sponsored by dfs, finished on a climax tonight as Sh Ch Vbos The Kentuckian, aka Jet, a Flatcoated Retriever was crowned Best in Show 2011.
In a tough final, against a number of favourites, Jet and breeder Jim Irvine from South Queensferry, Edinburgh were chosen as the champions and presented with the prestigious trophy in a packed arena.
Approximately 138,000 people came to watch the 21,422 dogs compete over the last four days for the Best in Show title at dfs Crufts 2011 at the NEC in Birmingham. Jet’s thrilled owner, Iain Ross said: “I am over the moon, I can’t believe it. It’s a lifetime achievement, it’s wonderful.”
The Reserve Best in Show went to Jilly, a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, owned by Gavin and Sara Robertson from Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
The crowning of the Best in Show winner was preceded by the presentation of the Kennel Club’s Friends for Life award, which recognises the country’s dog heroes. The award went to Joanne Day from Staffordshire and her Golden Retriever/Poodle cross, Kaiser, a Canine Partners assistance dog.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Communications Director, said: “We give our congratulations to Jet who has taken the prestigious Best in Show Award, his breeder and handler Jim Irvine and proud owner Iain Ross. Jim and Jet were a pleasure to watch and clearly have a great relationship.
“dfs Crufts is a celebration of healthy, happy dogs which recognises the special and unique bond between dogs and their owners.
“Anybody who has been watching the television coverage provided by More4 will have seen the wonderful diversity of dogs, the fact that they truly are fit for function, and how much dogs and people enrich each other’s lives.”
JOANNE AND KAISER VOTED THE COUNTRY'S DOG HERO AT dfs CRUFTS
JOANNE AND KAISER VOTED THE COUNTRY'S DOG HERO AT dfs CRUFTS
IT WAS a heart warming competition that called on the British public to vote for their hero dog, and yesterday Joanne Day and her Canine Partners Assistance Dog Kaiser was announced as the Friends For Life Competition winner at dfs Crufts 2011.
The proud winners, from Staffordshire, were presented with their trophy in the main Arena, at the Birmingham NEC.
Five remarkable dogs were nominated for the Friends for Life Award and the public have been voting all week, for the story that moved them the most and decided that Joanne and Kasier were the most deserving pair.
Golden Retriever/Poodle cross, Kaiser is a Canine Partners assistance dog, who cares for owner Joanne in living with a rare condition called dystonia. This neurological disorder causes muscle spasms and leaves her body contorted and fixed into abnormal positions.
Kaiser gives Jo independence and the confidence to leave the house and meet new people and helps with everyday tasks, such as dressing, unloading the washing machine and picking things up, that Jo otherwise finds difficult to perform. She says he gives her the love, strength and courage to face more painful surgery, and he is the only thing that gets her through it all.
Speaking about her win, Joanne said: “Kaiser really deserves it, he’s one in a million. I had never had a dog before in my life and I can’t put into words what he has done for me.”
The competition, annually presented by the Kennel Club, follows five heart-warming stories of friendship in adversity, where dogs have truly earned the title of man’s best friend through bravery, support or companionship. All the dogs show unfailing loyalty and spirit in their constant desire to help, and are a great example of the incredible difference that dogs can make.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club spokesperson, said: “We give our warmest congratulations to Joanne and Kaiser, they are a truly lovely and deserving pair.
“The dogs nominated for this year’s Friends for Life competition help to remind us what it is that makes the relationship between dog and man so very special. Each and every one of the finalists has helped to change and save lives, and can teach us all a lesson about loyalty, companionship and bravery.”
“dfs Crufts celebrates the diverse role that dogs play in society; their vast range of talents, jobs and hobbies and the reasons why they have earned the title of man’s best friend.”
DFS CRUFTS FRIENDS FOR LIFE FINALISTS 2011
Haiti earthquake dog, Echo – the Labrador and Search and Rescue Dog with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Dog service was deployed to Haiti after the earthquake in January last year. Despite collapsing due to the searing heat and needing to be put on a drip, he returned to work to help rescue a young girl called Mia, after she was found under the wreckage of a kindergarten.
7/7 sniffer dog, Jake - the Cocker Spaniel and Metropolitan Police Dog helped to keep people free from further harm after the 7/7 London bombings. He risked his life to search the bus wreckage at Tavistock Square and the mile-long route from Russell Square to the bomb-damaged train at Kings Cross, ensuring that the area was safe for paramedics and explosives officers.
Assistance dog, Kaiser – the Golden Retriever/Poodle cross and Canine Partners Assistance Dog from Shropshire, who helps his owner, Joanne Day to cope with dystonia. This neurological disorder causes muscle spasms and leaves her body contorted and fixed into abnormal positions, causing others to dub her ‘flamingo woman’. Kaiser gives her the confidence to leave the house and meet new people and helps with everyday tasks, such as dressing and picking things up, that Jo otherwise finds difficult to perform.
Medical Detection dog, Shirley – the Labrador which detects low blood sugar levels in seven-year old Rebecca from Northampton who has aggressive type 1 diabetes. She is the first Blood Sugar Detection Dog in the UK to be allowed into a main stream primary school and performs the potentially life saving task of detecting a possible hypoglycaemic attack which could leave Rebecca in a coma. Now, school is much less of a worry and Rebecca’s mother, Claire has had the fear taken out of night-times, as Shirley keeps a bedside vigil.
Support dog, Merlin – the crossbreed which has helped to turn around the life of 10 year old Grace Brown-Griffin from Kent. Grace is autistic and has ADHD and found it very difficult to concentrate or to deal with stressful situations before Merlin came along. Merlin won the Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year competition at Discover Dogs in November 2010.
ANT AND DEC'S SECRET CHALLENGE AT dfs CRUFTS - 9th March 2011
Thursday 10th March 2011 sees the start of the 120th year of the world’s greatest dog show, dfs Crufts, and what better way to celebrate than with the country’s favourite TV duo Ant and Dec.
The popular ITV entertainment show, Ant & Dec’s Push the Button will be in attendance at dfs Crufts 2011, with two competing families testing their dog skills in a head to head Agility competition live at the event. The award-winning presenters are scheduled to enter the main arena with the competing family members at 1:45pm for what is set to be a high paced, thrilling contest.
The judges will be keeping their scores and times secret however, so the spectators and competitors will not find out the results until the show broadcasts on Saturday 12th March.
Each family member will have spent the previous day with a dog agility coach and their own dog for the event, getting to grips with the different commands as well as the range of obstacles used in agility courses such as the tunnel and the seesaw. Unfortunately for the competitors the course they will be running on the day will be completely different to the course on which they will have been practicing, ensuring their skills and brain power really are put to the test.
Ant and Dec will no doubt light up the main arena with their cheeky combination of fun and mischief, bringing their unique style to the world’s greatest dog show at the NEC, Birmingham.
ROSEMARY CONLEY AND MR MUTTIVATOR LAUNCH FITNESS CAMPAIGN AT dfs CRUFTS - March 9th 2011
Sarah Humphries before Sarah getting fit with Rosemary Conley
Famous faces in the world of sport and fitness have given their backing to a new campaign being launched for dfs Crufts, which will help to fight the growing obesity epidemic among dogs and their owners.
The Kennel Club’s Get Fit With Fido Challenge, in association with Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs and supported by Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies MBE, aims to ensure that dogs get the exercise that they need.
Research has shown that one in three dog owners and one in four dogs are overweight. Furthermore, one in five dogs don't get their daily recommended walk.
And the Kennel Club is looking for the dog and owner who jointly (and individually) lose the most weight for its Get Fit With Fido Slimmer of the Year competition. A prize package consisting of a make over day (for the owner!)and a stay in the exclusive dog friendly Milestone hotel in London will be awarded to the dog and owner who have jointly and individually lost the most weight by summer 2011.
Backing the challenge, Sharron Davies, MBE, said: “People are leading more and more sedentary lifestyles which is having a worrying effect on people’s health. Exercising with your dog, whether this is a thirty minute walk or a more high intensity activity such as dog agility, is a great way to change your lifestyle. The most important thing when exercising is to do something fun that you will stick to, so working out with your dog is ideal for most people. And if it helps the nation’s dogs to get fitter and healthier in the process, then it’s a win-win.”
The free to join challenge gives people ideas and information about exciting activities, exercises and walks that dog and owner can enjoy together for little or no cost, when other forms of exercise are becoming too expensive to maintain.
Those who join the challenge will receive a free information pack, be kept up to date on the latest news about activities and walks that they can enjoy and receive a discount to Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs.
Rosemary Conley and Sarah Humphreys, who has lost half her body weight through walking her dog and changing her lifestyle, will be at dfs Crufts on Saturday 12th March to take part in dog agility and launch the campaign.
Caroline Kisko, Secretary of the Kennel Club, said: “Dogs require regular exercise in order to stay physically healthy and mentally alert but this needn’t be a chore for their owners. There is a huge diversity of activities, exercises and walks that you can do with your dog, helping both dog and owner to stay fit and healthy.
“The Get Fit With Fido Challenge will give people all of the ideas and information that they need to lead a more active lifestyle with their dog.”
Said Rosemary Conley, CBE: “Dog owners are in the lucky position where they have a reason to get out of the house and to exercise. There’s nothing like your dog to motivate you to get out in the fresh air and enjoy a walk together. It can be really rewarding for both of you and the health benefits of walking just one mile a day (20 mins) are phenomenal.
“It is well known that a gym buddy will help you to get out of the armchair when your own motivation is lacking but many so called gym buddies will often lack motivation themselves. Your dog will never say no, so dog owners should take advantage of their own personal trainer and get fit with them alongside.”
• To find out more about the Get Fit With Fido Challenge visit http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getfitwithfido.
150 YEARS OF dfs CREFTS IN PICTURES - 8th March 2011
The Kennel Club has released historical and modern day pictures of dfs Crufts to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the world’s greatest dog event.
Taking place on 10th – 13th March 2011 at the NEC, Birmingham, 28,000 pedigree and cross breed dogs from 37 countries will take part in the annual dog lovers’ event, in a range of competitions including showing, agility, heelwork to music, canine cross country and the dog heroes competition, Friends for Life. More than 200 breeds will also be in the Discover Dogs area for visitors to meet and learn more about. In 1891 there were just 2,437 entries made from just 36 breeds and dog showing was the event’s only concern.
The pictures chart key milestones in the event’s history and are a reference to social trends, fashions and historical events of the day. Pictures include:
• Charles Cruft, who founded the event in 1891
• A post war picture of a young boy looking at an advert for the first Cruft’s show under Kennel Club auspices at Olympia in 1948 (Cruft’s was cancelled during the war years)
• Royalty at the event - 1969 picture of her Majesty the Queen, 1970, Princess Margaret, 1971 of Princess Anne and 2010 of Prince Michael.
• The first Crufts Agility pictures, introduced to Crufts in 1978
• The first Dog Heroes Competition winners Buster and owner Danny Morgan. Buster sniffed out explosive in war zones including Iraq (the competition is now known as Friends for Life).
Since it was first held in 1891, the event - which attracts more than 140,000 visitors - has become an annual celebration of healthy, happy dogs and the unique relationship that they enjoy with the human race. dfs Crufts 2011 will be jam-packed with fun activities, trade stands and events which showcase the diverse role that dogs play in society.
New to this year will be a dedicated Kennel Club Accredited Instructor Training Workshop to help people with their doggie dilemmas, a Breeding for the Future Zone, highlighting how to ensure that dogs are bred to be healthy and well adjusted and the launch of a Get Fit With Fido campaign, helping people to find ways to stay fit and active with their dogs. The show will be broadcast by More4 for the second year running, for two hours each night.
Caroline Kisko, Communications Director of the Kennel Club, which organises dfs Crufts, said: “We are very excited about the landmark 120th year of dfs Crufts. The event has evolved over the years and is now an essential part of any dog lover’s calendar. One thing that hasn’t changed, and which this event celebrates, is the central role that dogs continue to play in our lives.
“dfs Crufts 2011 will celebrate the various ways in which dogs enrich our lives, whether as working dogs or as pets, and will also be focused on health, education, training and fun. It will help people to learn more about buying a healthy dog from a responsible breeder or rescue home, and how to train, care for and enjoy life with their dog.
“The event is a unique opportunity for dog lovers to come together and celebrate man’s best friend. We would like to thank everybody who has supported it over the years and welcome newcomers to this annual celebration of dogs.”
The event aims to ensure that people learn more about the different types of dog so that when a dog gets a home it is a home for life. There will be a dedicated section for breed rescue volunteers, who work to ensure that unwanted and abandoned dogs find a good home and information about Kennel Club Accredited Breeders, who put the health and welfare of their puppies first and foremost and have the required health tests for their breed carried out.
Tickets cost £13 for adults - with a 4-day ticket available at £46 - and Best in Show tickets starting at £17.00. Concessions are also available. All tickets are subject to a booking fee. Book by calling the dfs Crufts Ticket Hotline at The Ticket Factory on 0844 444 99 44, or online at www.theticketfactory.com.
• To find local competitors in your area contact the Kennel Club press office.
How it all started
Crufts is named after its founder Charles Cruft. The young Charles left college in 1876 with no desire to join the family jewellery business. Instead he took employment with James Spratt who had set up a new venture in Holborn, London selling 'dog cakes'.
Charles Cruft was ambitious and a relatively short apprenticeship as an office boy led to promotion to travelling salesman. This brought him into contact with large estates and sporting kennels. His next career move with Spratts saw him travelling to Europe and here in 1878, French dog breeders, perhaps seeing entrepreneurial talents in Cruft, invited him to organise the promotion of the canine section of the Paris Exhibition. He was still just two years out of college.
Back in England in 1886 he took up the management of the Allied Terrier Club Show at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster. It was in 1891 that the first Cruft's show was booked into the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington and it has evolved and grown ever since.
Timeline
1891 – The first Cruft’s show in that name takes place at the Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington with 2,437 entries and 36 breeds.
1918–1920 – Cruft’s is not held due to the First World War.
1932 – First female owner of Best in Show, Lorna Countess Howe with Labrador Retriever, Bramshaw Bob.
1936 – Charles Cruft celebrates his Golden Jubilee five years early, breaking the 10,000 entries mark for the first time.
1938 – Charles Cruft dies. His widow, Emma Cruft takes over the running of the show.
1940-7 –Cruft’s is not held due to the Second World War.
1948 – The first Cruft’s Show under Kennel Club auspices takes placeafter Emma Cruftgives over control. Held at Olympia, it proves an immediate success with both exhibitors and the public, with eighty-four breeds entered, almost double the number of breeds at the first Cruft’s in 1891. Since then Crufts has increased in stature year by year, now attracting around 200 breeds annually.
1950 –Cruft’s first televised by the BBC. .
1952 – The death of King George VI on 6th February threatens the possibility of the cancellation of Cruft’s for that year but the show is allowed to take place two days later.
1954 – Electricians strike action leads to the show being cancelled, as electricians refuse to disconnect the stands from the previous show held at Olympia, and the venue can therefore not be cleared to make way for the Cruft’s.
1955 – Cruft’s becomes an Obedience Championship Show. Working Sheepdogs are entered, becoming the first crossbreeds to compete at Cruft’s. Crossbreed dogs are now a central part of the show, taking part in a wide range of competitions including agility.
1961 – Entries break the 15,000 mark for the first time
1972 – During the Winter of Discontent, Cruft’s 1972 takes place under subdued lighting and with an abbreviated catalogue due to the 3 day working week which had been enforced. As one commentator says: “For two days every visitor was able to forget the troubles of the world.”
1974 – Cruft’s changes to Crufts. During a rebrand as it is decided that the apostrophe is no longer needed.
1978 – Agility first demonstrated at Crufts.
1979 – The show moves to Earls Court as the increasing number of entries had the show outgrowing its former venue at Olympia.
1980 – First official Agility competition at Crufts - with the move comes a new atmosphere at the event.
1982 –The show is extended to three days to accommodate the increasing numbers of dogs and spectators.
1985 – The Kennel Club Junior Organisation is launched. Now the Young Kennel Club (YKC). Its competitions form an important part of the current dfs Crufts show.
1987 – The show is extended to four days to accommodate further increases in the number of dogs and spectators.
1988 – More than 110,000 people come through the doors making Crufts not only the biggest Dog Show, but also the most popular show to be held at Earls Court.
1990 – Flyball first demonstrated.
1991 – Crufts Centenary Show is held at its new venue, the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre - the first time the show had moved from London.
1992 – Mary Ray demonstrates her fast moving Heelwork to Music routine. She is now a regular performer at the event.
1994 – Discover Dogs area is introduced to Crufts as part of the Kennel Club’s commitment to encouraging responsible dog ownership, enabling dog loving visitors at the show to find out more about the different breeds and how they may fit into their lifestyle. Good Citizen Dog Scheme Ring introduced to Crufts, enabling dogs to demonstrate their pet obedience credentials, and owners their responsible attitude to dog ownership, through obtaining a range of certificates from bronze to gold.
2000 – Rescue Dog Agility introduced to the show, enabling rescue dogs to shine in the fun and fast paced demonstration.
2001 – Crufts moved from March to May due to Foot and Mouth disease. The International Agility Competition takes place at Crufts for the first time.
2004 – The popular competition Friends for Life Competition first appeared, then called Hero Dogs. The popular annual competition ensures that man's best friend gets the recognition he deserves for bravery, support and companionship. Southern Golden Retriever Display Team appears at Crufts for the first time and this has been part of the event every year since.
2007 – As the event continues to grow, the Arena is used for the first time, for competitions including Agility, Friends for Life and Best in Show.
2008 – Crufts develops its own Facebook page, now with more than 34,000 fans. Cani cross, canine cross country, is introduced to Crufts for the first time as people look for ever more ways to get fit with their dogs.
2009 – Crufts streamed online for the first time and became the most watched channel on You Tube in the UK. The Health Zone is introduced, with breed and scientific experts providing information and advice about breed health and scientific advances. Judges are given the power to remove unhealthy dogs from the show ring and show monitors may report dogs that they fear are unhealthy to the show vet, who can order their exclusion from competition. Breed rescue charities, the unsung heroes of the dog world are given a high profile area, so that the public could find out more about their work. They are supported by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.
2010 – dfs becomes the principal sponsor and the event is renamed dfs Crufts. More 4 becomes broadcast partner, providing one hour of footage a night and two hours on Sunday.
2011 – The Health Zone is renamed Breeding For the Future which, run in conjunction with the Animal Health Trust, includes information about the latest work that the Kennel Club and the Animal Health Trust are conducting to improve breed health. Get Fit With Fido 2011 launched in partnership with Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs - the campaign aims to help dog owners to find new and interesting ways to keep themselves and their dogs fit and healthy. Display of Bull Breeds from Wood Green Animal Shelter in the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Ring to highlight the plight of these dogs, often bought as status symbols and then abandoned. More4 named as broadcast partner for 2011.
2012 – As an additional safety net to complement the 2009 vet checks, it is announced that Best of Breed winners and champions in the 15 high profile breeds, which may have a tendency to suffer from health problems due to exaggerated features, will need to be vet checked before their awards are confirmed from Crufts 2012 onwards.
Crufts is named after its founder Charles Cruft. The young Charles left college in 1876 with no desire to join the family jewellery business. Instead he took employment with James Spratt who had set up a new venture in Holborn, London selling 'dog cakes'.
Charles Cruft was ambitious and a relatively short apprenticeship as an office boy led to promotion to travelling salesman. This brought him into contact with large estates and sporting kennels. His next career move with Spratts saw him travelling to Europe and here in 1878, French dog breeders, perhaps seeing entrepreneurial talents in Cruft, invited him to organise the promotion of the canine section of the Paris Exhibition. He was still just two years out of college.
Back in England in 1886 he took up the management of the Allied Terrier Club Show at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster. It was in 1891 that the first Cruft's show was booked into the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington and it has evolved and grown ever since.
Timeline
1891 – The first Cruft’s show in that name takes place at the Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington with 2,437 entries and 36 breeds.
1918–1920 – Cruft’s is not held due to the First World War.
1932 – First female owner of Best in Show, Lorna Countess Howe with Labrador Retriever, Bramshaw Bob.
1936 – Charles Cruft celebrates his Golden Jubilee five years early, breaking the 10,000 entries mark for the first time.
1938 – Charles Cruft dies. His widow, Emma Cruft takes over the running of the show.
1940-7 –Cruft’s is not held due to the Second World War.
1948 – The first Cruft’s Show under Kennel Club auspices takes placeafter Emma Cruftgives over control. Held at Olympia, it proves an immediate success with both exhibitors and the public, with eighty-four breeds entered, almost double the number of breeds at the first Cruft’s in 1891. Since then Crufts has increased in stature year by year, now attracting around 200 breeds annually.
1950 –Cruft’s first televised by the BBC. .
1952 – The death of King George VI on 6th February threatens the possibility of the cancellation of Cruft’s for that year but the show is allowed to take place two days later.
1954 – Electricians strike action leads to the show being cancelled, as electricians refuse to disconnect the stands from the previous show held at Olympia, and the venue can therefore not be cleared to make way for the Cruft’s.
1955 – Cruft’s becomes an Obedience Championship Show. Working Sheepdogs are entered, becoming the first crossbreeds to compete at Cruft’s. Crossbreed dogs are now a central part of the show, taking part in a wide range of competitions including agility.
1961 – Entries break the 15,000 mark for the first time
1972 – During the Winter of Discontent, Cruft’s 1972 takes place under subdued lighting and with an abbreviated catalogue due to the 3 day working week which had been enforced. As one commentator says: “For two days every visitor was able to forget the troubles of the world.”
1974 – Cruft’s changes to Crufts. During a rebrand as it is decided that the apostrophe is no longer needed.
1978 – Agility first demonstrated at Crufts.
1979 – The show moves to Earls Court as the increasing number of entries had the show outgrowing its former venue at Olympia.
1980 – First official Agility competition at Crufts - with the move comes a new atmosphere at the event.
1982 –The show is extended to three days to accommodate the increasing numbers of dogs and spectators.
1985 – The Kennel Club Junior Organisation is launched. Now the Young Kennel Club (YKC). Its competitions form an important part of the current dfs Crufts show.
1987 – The show is extended to four days to accommodate further increases in the number of dogs and spectators.
1988 – More than 110,000 people come through the doors making Crufts not only the biggest Dog Show, but also the most popular show to be held at Earls Court.
1990 – Flyball first demonstrated.
1991 – Crufts Centenary Show is held at its new venue, the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre - the first time the show had moved from London.
1992 – Mary Ray demonstrates her fast moving Heelwork to Music routine. She is now a regular performer at the event.
1994 – Discover Dogs area is introduced to Crufts as part of the Kennel Club’s commitment to encouraging responsible dog ownership, enabling dog loving visitors at the show to find out more about the different breeds and how they may fit into their lifestyle. Good Citizen Dog Scheme Ring introduced to Crufts, enabling dogs to demonstrate their pet obedience credentials, and owners their responsible attitude to dog ownership, through obtaining a range of certificates from bronze to gold.
2000 – Rescue Dog Agility introduced to the show, enabling rescue dogs to shine in the fun and fast paced demonstration.
2001 – Crufts moved from March to May due to Foot and Mouth disease. The International Agility Competition takes place at Crufts for the first time.
2004 – The popular competition Friends for Life Competition first appeared, then called Hero Dogs. The popular annual competition ensures that man's best friend gets the recognition he deserves for bravery, support and companionship. Southern Golden Retriever Display Team appears at Crufts for the first time and this has been part of the event every year since.
2007 – As the event continues to grow, the Arena is used for the first time, for competitions including Agility, Friends for Life and Best in Show.
2008 – Crufts develops its own Facebook page, now with more than 34,000 fans. Cani cross, canine cross country, is introduced to Crufts for the first time as people look for ever more ways to get fit with their dogs.
2009 – Crufts streamed online for the first time and became the most watched channel on You Tube in the UK. The Health Zone is introduced, with breed and scientific experts providing information and advice about breed health and scientific advances. Judges are given the power to remove unhealthy dogs from the show ring and show monitors may report dogs that they fear are unhealthy to the show vet, who can order their exclusion from competition. Breed rescue charities, the unsung heroes of the dog world are given a high profile area, so that the public could find out more about their work. They are supported by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.
2010 – dfs becomes the principal sponsor and the event is renamed dfs Crufts. More 4 becomes broadcast partner, providing one hour of footage a night and two hours on Sunday.
2011 – The Health Zone is renamed Breeding For the Future which, run in conjunction with the Animal Health Trust, includes information about the latest work that the Kennel Club and the Animal Health Trust are conducting to improve breed health. Get Fit With Fido 2011 launched in partnership with Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs - the campaign aims to help dog owners to find new and interesting ways to keep themselves and their dogs fit and healthy. Display of Bull Breeds from Wood Green Animal Shelter in the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Ring to highlight the plight of these dogs, often bought as status symbols and then abandoned. More4 named as broadcast partner for 2011.
2012 – As an additional safety net to complement the 2009 vet checks, it is announced that Best of Breed winners and champions in the 15 high profile breeds, which may have a tendency to suffer from health problems due to exaggerated features, will need to be vet checked before their awards are confirmed from Crufts 2012 onwards.
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