I'm so excited about my first visit to Crufts, which will be on the Friday.  :D  As I don't want to miss out on anything and to make sure I get to see as much as possible, I was wondering if any of you seasoned Crufters could pass on any information / tips that would be helpful.  Or anything that is a must to see / do while we're there.

Thanks and good luck to all those showing.  :)

Most important I think is to make sure you have a warm jacket with you , sometimes it is very cold.

DOn't need the toilet to often!!!! :D  Expect to not have any money on the trip home.  Take your own lunch, as it is expensive there, where comfortably clothing and layers, it goes hot to cold from step to step!  Comfortable shoes are a must.  You will be walking a distance from car to hall and round halls! most of all have fun, talk to people, most are friendly! 

"DOn't need the toilet to often!!!! "  Funny forgot about that..

If you really really need then the gents for some reason is always quieter :-))

yea I have noticed that!!!!

The best year was when I broke my leg (10 years ago) I could jump the loo for the disabled toilet!  Mum always insisted I "escourted" her to the loo aswell!!! anythign to kump the cue!!!

Hi Earl,

Hope you have a wonderful first time Crufts experience - in and out of the ring :P   As advised, have warm and comfortable clothes - when it's very busy mid morning through to mid afternoon in can feel warmer but when you first arrive and if you're there to the death it's baltic :D   Comfortable shoes are a MUST have - I always take at least one extra pair as sometimes if my feet get very sore it seems to relieve them to change shoes too (probably psychological tho') and peppermint foot talcum, aaaaaaaagh ;)

Are you showing or spectating only?   If showing (and you've not got an early start or in the first classes) try and do your shopping first - the trade areas are VERY busy as the day progresses and it's not only uncomfortable but you tend to miss a lot of what's available.   It's always worth visiting Discover Dogs if you haven't been to the separate event before - I love being able to interact with different breeds in person - so much more to be learnt than watching them in a ring or viewing them on the internet.

Have a great day and wishing you every success if your exhibiting.
Teri :)

Oooh it's so exciting!  We're spectating only, but Roxy's breeder will be there showing her half sister (Roxy's, not the breeders :p ).  We're flying down and should arrive mid morning and then flying home some time in the evening.

I'm expecting to come back broke as I've already promised Roxy a new collar, lead and coat and I want to try and get a stand thing for grooming ... and I haven't even got there yet!  :rolleyes:  Will do that early then Teri, thanks.  :)

Hi again Earl,

Check out both dog papers this week and next for special offers that are on at Crufts.  Lots of the bigger names do 10-20% off if you have a voucher/advert from the press or one of their supplements.  Know all about being skint at Crufts - been there done that waaaaaaay too many times  :rolleyes: but it's got some great bargains so guess it saves in the long run.

Friends of mine got a cheap deal to fly down last year - spent so much when there that the excess baggage charge took away the benefit of their good deal :P

Enjoy, Teri :)

Take loads of money :)
A flask of coffeee and something to eat :) and COMFY SHOES are a must to ensure you get round everywhere in comfort :D

Oh and if you are showing take a folding chair :)

You nearly all forgot the all important your own folding seat ! There are seats availablr but never where & when you need one even if you are spectating especially if you have to wait for a bus to get back to the car park

I mentioned it MM :)

After our visit last year and sitting on the floor i will always remember that first in the future :)

LOLOL Lel I learnt many years ago to take a folding chair LOL I stood up last year & put a bit of rubbish in one of the bins & when I turned round some one had sat in my chair :O they were most upset when I asked them to move I did point out the seat did have my affix on it LOL

Thanks Teri, what papers is it I need to get?

Hi its my first visit to Crufts too!!! I cant wait to go and see all the wonderful dogs and stands! I have a huge shopping list of doggy stuff to get that I plan to stick to,  but I am sure I will forget it at home as usual and end up buying everything in sight till I'm absolutely broke! :)Thank God the flights over are paid for in advance!
just can't wait to see the american cockers! really can't wait!!
Carol XXX

Hi Carol,

You'll love it ;)  Re your huge shopping list, even if you remember to take it with you I'll bet you add quite a few extras on when there - it's addictive (well, that's a girlie thing anyway of course :P)

Enjoy, Teri
(entered, but who's having to give it a miss this year :( )

Sorry Earl,

the weekly canine press - "Dog World" and "Our Dogs".   You'll probably have to go to a major newsagents like WH Smith to get them - most folks either have them delivered or on order with a local newsagents so (me being me :) ) I just assumed you did too!  If you can't get hold of either for this weekend, (they come out on Thursday's - although are dated as Fridays) both will have stands at Crufts anyway where you can get them.

Regards, Teri

Great, thanks Teri.  I'll have a look here first.

I'm off for the first time as well and can't wait.  Am going on my lonesome but I am sure that won't matter.  Going on the Sunday so I can see BIS and the agility final.  Can anybody offer any advice as to the best time to arrive i.e. early before it opens or just after.  I have a long drive from Dawlish in Devon.

Claire

Hi Claire, can't tell you what is the best time to arrive, but if you go onto the Crufts site, it tells you about road works ect that weekend. I am going with friend's but if you want some company on the day you are welcome to join us, so if you want to send me a pm and I will give you my mobile number even if you just need some info or a cuppa and chat on the day. Viv