I have never been do a dog show before and was wondering if anyone on the board would recommend going to Crufts?

I have looked at the Crufts website and seen that toy dogs are shown on Sunday 11 March.  I would be interested to see the Cavalier King Charles, as I now am the proud owner of a black and tan boy.  At the show can you walk round and visit the exhibitors and see their dogs close up?  Is it very crowded? Would any of you recommend going? thoughts and opinions please.

I am quite interested to see all the doggy stalls and all the unusual doggy stuff for sale etc

Many thanks
Lozi

Oh definately recommend going :)

Put a good pair of walking shoes on, comfy ones ;) as there are loads and loads and loads of stalls :P

You can see the dogs close up, talk to the owners, ask all sorts of questions - some will only be too pleased to chat about their dogs :)

Dee

Crufts is a must if you are interested in dogs.  Even if you only ever go once.

Yes, you can walk around and see all the dogs on their benches or in the ring. 
Yes, very crowded, especially at the weekend.
Loads of stalls, you will spend loads of money.
There is also a Discover Dogs area, where you can see every breed of dog.

You can't take your own dog in though.

I would say go, but even better I would say go to the LKA championship show in December at the same venue.

It is more dog and exhibitor orientated and not quite so taken over by trade and hype.

Personally I prefer the LKA too, to visit or show, lovely atmosphere just before Christmas :) and I always think it's like Crufts - but without the hype and crowds :D and a much more relaxed day for everyone :)

On the other hand, there is a really special feel at Crufts too, an atmosphere peculiar to that show (probably just me tho ;) ):D :D and I just love going :D   but I'm lucky enough to be able to go to both :D :D :D

Don't forget there are also Breed club shows too, just imagine, a show with only your favourite breed attending and everywhere you look - your favourite breed :D :D :D 

Yes I would say go and as others have said you can see the dogs close up and talk to exhibitors but please remember that although these people love their breed and talking about them, there main focus will be the dogs and what is going on in the ring.  Also don't stop any exhibitor getting their dog ready or going into the ring.

I'm more then happy to talk to people about my breed and letting them see him and touch them but at the same time while I'm waiting for my class outside the ring I don't want my dogs coat messed or being wound up, accidently spooked etc etc etc.  Just bare it in mind.

Also don't expect people to wake their dogs up for the public to see them.  It's a stressful and tireing time for the dogs.

However I'm sure you do have the common sense and all what I have said you knew anyway :) I don't mean to be nasty in any way.

Crufts is a great experiance.  You will need comfortable shoes and clothes and it will be very crowed, but you will enjoy it I'm sure :)

Definately comfortable shoes are a must :-)

It was our first time ever at Crufts 2006 and we were showing.  I didn't realise how big it was!!  The shopping was amazing and to see all the breeds was fantastic!

We meet some wonderful people both from showing and the general public.

Having said that for Crufts 2007 we're on on Saturday and alot of people have said it can be packed to the rafters :D

Crufts is ok, been around both when showing and just for visiting.
If you are showing, its a pain if you are trying to get from one hall to another, its so packed.  From a visitor point of view, its dog and shopping heaven (although you have to be choosy - or not!).
Aside from the shoes, make sure you take some bottled water, it gets hot and also headache tablets.. a must!
The plus side it that I think they are going to have more halls next year!
Go on... treat yourself

Sunday in particularly is very crowded, so I agree with the comfy shoes suggestion. I will be there on the Sunday with my blenheim Henry, come and say hi! :-)

Thank you all for your replies.  I definitely want to go now!!

Now I need to arrange annual leave, book hotel etc.  I will probably get a reasonable deal through my work and make a week end of it. Dragging OH with me, he likes dogs too but hates shopping so I hope the NEC have a bar!!!LOL

Thanks for all your ideas.  I will certainly be respectful to exhibitors, and will wear comfy shoes

oh yes ;) it has a bar :)

not that I've ever been in it

Several infact :D

Missie wrote
oh yes  it has a bar

not that I've ever been in it

:D
We were on the last bench compartment and 2 steps away was a bar, OH thought it was marvellous to be able to get a refreshing pint it was only the one though :D

We stayed a couple of days as well, it was great to see all the other Crufts people in the hotel and get chatting to them, i loved the whole experience and am booked and ready to go in 2007 now :-)

We were two steps away last year too.  Knew exactly where to find OH.  Or more importantly, where he was when I sneaked off to do some shopping.

Knew where my OH was when I'd been shopping too - poor chap, he was under orders not to stir away from Henry's crate! :-D

you say you are going to book a hotel room good luck, you might not be able to get a one close to the nec, sometimes they are booked straight away for next year,
carolann

LOLtalking of the Bars at Crufts, I have a picture of my dad with one of our dogs and just behind them is the Bar.

Caption for the photo was "hurry up and take this photo I want to get to the bar" :D

Wasn't ment to have any particular background!!!! :D

The Bar is also conveniently located next to the toilets ;)

Don't talk to me about the toilets, the queue was endless, i decided to wait until we got back to the hotel.

When we were allowed to leave i did a mad rush with JJ and left OH with the trolley and cage (JJ wouldn't fit in due to amount of shopping, LOL)  Next thing i hear OH shouting, the blinkin wheel had feel off the trolley :D

Mind you at least we didn't have the queue for the motorway just a speedy hop to the hotel and the toilet was mine :-)

toilets in the carpark (west) are a good idea...

otherwise those behind the Special events ring arn't too bad normally :)

Otherwise don't drink except if really needed!

or just nip into the mens
carolann

GO!.Even if you only have a slight interest in dogs, you'll definately enjoy it.Can't stress enough about comfortable shoes. I'm youngish (37) my first Crufts was 2004 , my feet were in bits after a full day of it.
I'd recommend trainers, don't worry about how they look, nobody will see them in the crowds.
You should be able to get a hotel or B&B within 5 miles of the NEC. I booked 2 weeks before it in 2004 and got a B&B 10 minutes drive from it. It wasn't the Ritz, but after a day at Crufts, you'll just be glad to be near a bed.Enjoy

Jimbob

oooh bars and 18th birthday in january hehe u no where to find me!
Fiona