Following the appalling debacle at Crufts when the Malamutes didn't get to enter the Group judging , there is a fine article in Dog World today by Roger Cruden .

You will find it on page 75

Melody

I'll look forward to reading that as soon as poss Melody. Peter and I are thinking that even if Chewi qualifies this year, we probably won't enter Crufts as it is not fair on the dog, or us for that matter. The Kennel Club will have to prove to us that it cares more for the exhibitors than filling its coffers with entry fees and kow-towing to the BBC.
Jean

I think we ought to ALL ask for a return of our money.

Melody :)

thankyou for sending the write up to me mel:)
ta very much
steph

i agree mel,
it was really dreadfull..i think we should all kick up a stink about it...:(

Steph has asked me to scan the piece as she can't get hold of a DW , if anyone else wants a copy of the article please email me

:)

Melody

Hi Melody,

Would you be able to send me a copy please, we dont buy it until sunday and im curious to know what was written, we were there from 8am - 8pm and we were shattered! Felt so sorry for the poor dogs :-(

Thanks

Phil

edited: :o sorry, didnt register the email bit. Have mailed you :-)

Melody,

I've mailed you.
Joan :)

Can't imagine what it must have been like for the dogs - I was there for only half the day and was shattered!

I thought it was an absolute disgrace that not only did some breeds miss their group judging but that they weren't even in the ring until early evening :-( My boy was exhausted having been there since 8.30am and not leaving until 5.30pm but at least we were in the ring before 11am so he could then spend the rest of the day relaxing on his bench and being exercised periodically.

In my breed this year we had 219, our judge started at 9.30am didn't stop for lunch and was finished by 3pm. Last year we had 252, the judge started at 8.30am, broke for a 30 minute lunch and was finished by roughly 4.30pm. Some people say that judges shouldn't judge more than 175 dogs, I would agree with that on the principle that it is easier on the judge as they must surely be exhausted by the end of it all, however some people think that it is not possible to judge over 175 dogs and still make it in time for the group. Well my breed just proved that it can be done and that it all depends on how long the judge takes to make their decision. Both last year and this I never felt that the judge didn't give the dogs equal time. :-)

I hope the Crufts committee do something to avoid this from happening again next year. It really is very unfair. I can certainly say that on Gundog day there were quite a few available rings by mid afternoon and gundogs are mean't to be the biggest group aren't they ?

I pick my copy up tomorrow and will turn straight to page 75. It is disgusting the way some breeds were treated. Were entry numbers up? I only ask because as you know, malamutes are increasing rapidly in numbers. I can't help but notice howmany get entered into shows that aren't up to breed standards. To top it off, alot of judges don't know the breed standards for mals, and the dogs with blatant faults win by a fluke sometimes. Perhaps if the judges were placed according to their breed knowledge both problems would be avoided????Just my humble opinion.
I think everyone who entered should definitely pursue compensation, not only a refund of fees but travel/accommodation expenses.
Grr Grrr
Julie :)

Personally, I thought the judge was wonderful ;)
But seriously, she was onto a loser from the start. There was no way she complete judging for the group and yet she was prompted to step up the judging of the bitches which meant that alot of the exhibitors felt that she didn't give their dogs the appropriate chances in the ring. I think fault should be found with the Crufts ring managers (if indeed they exist, because nobody saw any) and the judge of the Bouviers (I think). I can understand the feelings of the Italians (who, by the way don't understand sarcasm - but that's another story) and I can understand the stance of Jill Broadberry over Ring etiquette (Our Dogs breed column). It was diabolical the way people were in the ring taking photos in between classes and the complete lack of respect shown toward the Best Puppy contenders.
Joan :)

I agree , the Judge was put in a terrible position , she carried on and gave each dog a thorough looking over despite the time problem. If she had rushed we would have moaned that our particular dog hadn't had a fair shot :)

Melody

The judge did not give our bitch a very good looking over, due to the fact she was told to hurry up! She never once ask me her age, never felt her ears, did not look at her feet and she ran her hands down our bitches body in about 3 seconds. I felt really rushed and did not have time to relax, which of coarse goes straight down the lead! I'm not blaming the rushing for our poor performance but i think it just got all to much with being there for so long as well.

Gary

Hi Gary,
That's what I was saying. Although she was under pressure throughout, the dogs seemed to get a better deal than the bitches. I was sitting near the Stewards whilst the bitches were being shown and heard some of the comments passed about the group progress and this possibly prompted her to go through them too quick. Perhaps someone could have looked reallistically at the chances of making the group and accepted that rushing through the bitches wasn't going to make a difference. This would have allowed the judge to consider her judging more ?
Joan :) (Your little e-friend)

The blame for this one firmly lies in the hands of the Giant Schnauzer judge. He had 65 dogs to go over and it took him 4 hours to do it :( Then Margaret Everton had to do the Bouviers of which there were 59 before she even started on the huge mal entry. She never stood a chance. I find it incredible that no one saw how slow the Schnauzers were going and told the judge to get a move on.

That's the one - Schnauzer :D My first post said Bouvier, I couldn't remember which went first :) (Should've looked in the book) I agree with you wholeheartedly
Joan :)

So are any of you going to complain to the KC or request compensation? I've just read Rogers letter and thought he hit the nail on the head.
If the company I work for recieved a letter marked 'complaint', they have to look into it and more often than not, if compensation is requested they will make a goodwill payment even if the liability isn't theirs. Most large business have a goodwill policy, perhaps it's time to see exactly what goodwill the KC can offer it's patrons.
Julie :)

Jill Broadberry got it right in her column tonight as well. I noticed the empty ring beside us, heaven knows why we weren't directed in there.
Whats the betting we are on first next year?
I know someone who is going to have to get up really early if thats the case (Julie) :D

Maybe...but I'm still hoping a certain person will grab the leash and take over the handling/showing. I think I'll definitely book somewhere nearby to stay overnight for his Lordships Crufts Debut.:)

Compensation from the Kennel Club? What planet's kennel club would that be then?

Never never land Kennel Club. Address is Second star on the right and straight on til morning! :)
Jean