Some time ago somebody asked how to choose a puppy for showing. Well I went to see a litter of four week old pups 16 months ago with the intention of buying a bitch for agility. One dog pup attempted to walk through the food dish and fell flat on his nose. He picked himself up, sat and thought for a minute then carefully walked successfully through the dish. To me this showed an ability to think and limb co-ordination for agility. He was mine from that minute on. Whilst socialising  him at agility shows where I was competing with my older bitch last summer people seeing him were adamant I should show him. I showed him once when he won puppy but as he is now only just the minimum height didn't bother any more until today when I entered him at the northern BSD champ show. He won yearling and came second in post grad. (I entered both as somebody told me yearling didn't count for anything). For the first time in my life I have qualified for Crufts and with a dog I chose because he walked through his food dish. I'm still not sure if I can believe it.

I chose my first Malinois because she put her head on my baby son's lap and went to sleep. I had no intention of ever showing her, she was for obedience. She didn't just qualify for Crufts in the end, she won her third CC at Crufts and became  a Champion. Good luck at Crufts!! (Just came back home from the same show myself!)

Thank you Marianne. I saw your van, recognised the picture. I left shortly after lunch so didn't see the Malinois judged. Tayo went into brain overload. Yesterday he competed in his first agility show and then at the show today. He didn't want to be left in the car on his own so shredded his bedding but wouldn't settle ringside so rather than spoil a brilliant day by staying later and then going home with an upset dog I left early. As soon as we got home he settled and slept.

Congratulations!     

What's it like up there on that cloud? 

Thank you. Still floating but will probably be brought down to earth at agility training tomorrow although there are a couple of other people there who show in breed who will be pleased for me.