When do you apply to Crufts for entry into 2004 show ???
Lel

The schedule comes out in November-ish I think.
:)

If you are a first timer, you will have to ask the KC for a schedule. After that first year they send one automatically Watch the dog press, they usually publish when the schedules are available. Entries normally close the first week in Jan.
Dawn R.

You can also enter on line

Brilliant - thanks everyone :)

Yes I AM a novice so excuse the questions !!
Are all dogs benched at crufts or does it depend on the breed ???

All dogs are benched.
:)

Gulp!!
What does this involve exactly JG ?? How are they benched ?
I know some dogs are happier with this than others and I havent a clue as usually Staffys arent benched just crated??
( sorry for sounding so ignorant)

You can usually get a crate into the bench allocated to you!

Margot

Don't worry! As Margot says, your crate will usually fit into your allocated bench space!
:)

Hi Lel,
I entered crufts for the first time last year(my oldest lad didn't qualify the first year I had him cos he was such a ugly pup!!LOL).It was a wonderful experience and so different from any other show I've been to.The benching rule seemed to be more adhered to than at other champ shows and thered MANY more spectators just wondering round.
I entered on line-dead easy!!
I would imagine you will be able to put your crate inside the bench.
Archer

HI Lel,

It's Karen :D proud auntie by email of the Crufts qualifier Gus :) :)

The benches are divided by a partition which gives you adequate space for either your cage to be put there. Or in the case of some Staffords lying on blankets in the given space. Most of them also had all the owners stuff packed behind them like coats etc. The numbers are running in numerical order which matched the number in the ring. So very easy to find your allotted place on the bench. In fact in a couple I saw Staffies and children in the bench space both asleep. Last year the Stafford benches were really close to the rings, they usually are though.

Good Luck :D

Karen

Hi Lel
I would really love to see some photo's of Gus, of different ages if possible. He is nine months isn't he.
My Staffie Toesy is 5 1/2 months now, you can see photo's of him in my profile. How old was Gus when he was in his first show, and was it mixed or just Staffies. I just can't seem to be able to get Toesy to stand, he keeps sitting down.

Hi Karen you have already sent me a photo of Sal quite a while ago, have you got any more recent ones, if so could you possibly let me see them. Has Sal been in any shows yet. If you look in my profile you will see some recent photo's of Toesy.

Michelle.

Hi Michlle
I have just had a peek at your profile and saw the photos of Toesy - he's lovely !!
What lines is he from ?
Have you any shows in mind when he reaches six months ?? We first entered Gus at sixmonths and it was a mixed Open show . I think it scared the living daylights out of him the first time he went in the ring but he is ok now . Are you going to regular ringcraft with him ?
I have sent you a mail
Lesley :)

Hi Lesley

Glad you like the photo's

I've sent you a e.mail.

Michelle.

Hi Lesley
Thanks for the e.mail,
You've definitely helped me feel more positive about things.
I live in Darlington in the North East so it's quite a distance from you.
Are you planning on entering Gus, or just going yourself to any shows in the near future, if so let me know and if it's possible for me to go, It would be nice to meet up with you.
Are you entering Gus in Crufts, What day is the Terrier group. I'd love to go watch, I've never been, but my birthday falls over that period so I am hoping I can get my kids looked after so I can at least get a couple of days there, but of cause I want to see the Terriers if I'm going. My partner and I would stay over in a B&B, Do you have to book up well in advance for tickets, and do you know the prices.
Michelle.

Not too sure myself on Crufts actually but when I find out I will let you know . Hey -by then you might have qualified anyway !!! :)
Do you have a first show lined up . We first showed at a small mixed breed show . There is usually only a few in each cass and there doesnt seem to be as much pressure .
Have you been on the North East Staffords Website . There is a full list of shows on staffords.Co.Uk for the whole year so there should be one by you . There is a champshow in darlington coming up soon but unfortunately I missed the entry date :(
What about Midland Counties at Bingley Hall, Stafford? Is that too far? I can introduce you to Karen and Debbie !!!!
Honestly keep at it . although some people make it look so easy the majority are shaking inside .
You know Toesy can do it !!!!!!! :D
Lel
Michelle go into KC website and look for Crufts logo as it should give some info on the days of the Terriers !!

Hi Lesley
Thanks for the e.mail and the info on crufts.
Yes there is a big show on in Darlington in the South Park, in September, I usually try to go. It's a shame you missed out.
No I haven't got any shows lined up for Toesy, We are far from that.
Don't forget to dig out those photo's.
Michelle.

Staffy shows are not quite as *strict* with regards to dogs behaving perfectly in the ring . By that I mean you wont be penalised if Toesy doesnt walk beautifully etc . I have actually seen a Staffy given several chances to walk down the mat . It didnt want to but it still won the class - although it can be argued that it should be an allrounder so to speak .
If you go into prodogs website you will get up all the shows across the country and could enter him into a smaller local show :)
The way we looked at it , is that its all practice for your dog .
Judges also tend to be a bit more understanding with pups too :)

Hi Lesley
It's not really the walking that Toesy has trouble with, It's the standing. He just sits down all the time, and if any one comes near him he gets all excited and wags his tail or tries to jump up.
Michelle.

Try talking to him to keep his attention . Tell him he is a good boy and to "stand" or "stay" . That way he will have his attention on you and not the judge :)

Michele
I have fowarded a photo of Gus :)

Thanks.

Michelle.

hello just went on to your homepage just like to say you have lovely dogs and the pups are adorable

Thanks Ginastarr, we think so too, I've now got a brindle pup, so they will be photo's of her on soon too.

Michelle.