For my first experience at crufts i can truly say it was a positive one.
I competed my boy in Showing and we came 5th in his class so got the VHC certificate. This was Buckys 4th show hes ever done, so to get placed at Crufts was truly an achievement. Other than having issues with the security guards and trying to get people in on time to see our round we didnt have many problems for the day. Bucky was happy and confident, and everyone was friendly enough.
There is a great range of shops available, but my only pitfall with this would be the layout of the stalls. Its not much of an up and down situation like supermarkets, so it is quite easy to lose track of where you've been and looked at, and where you havent. Generally when you come to these sorts of events you want to be able to check out every stall, even if its just a glance over.
It is a very busy event, especially in the shopping section, so if you're someone who struggles with a lack of space then this isnt for you. Around 2-3 it got extremely busy, so much it was hard to walk through. I couldnt walk my dog through the crowds as it was just too much, which is granted in a situation like that.
Getting in and out of the carpark we had no issues, and it was nice that the exhibitors got to park a little bit closer to the venue, compared to those just attending. But again no real issue.
My only issue, but this just comes with showing in general. Is the amount of reactive dogs that are allowed to attend, this is dogs who are showing and also dogs who havent been invited, or 'service' dogs. I put that in quotes because unfortunately there are many many fake service dogs around that unfortunately there is no manning of the situation. My problem when it comes to reactive dogs showing is i dont believe this is showing the best stock. If your aim showing your dog is to show your dogs bloodlines, and great genetics, then a reactive dog is not your best stock. A good/well bred dog should be one that looks like breed standards but also has a good temperament. While Woody my other dog couldnt compete as he isnt KC, and has an amputated tail, even though he is beautiful and could win rosettes he is reactive. So it is not a place he should attend. He is not an example of a well bred dog due to his temperament. Yes some dogs can be reactive due to circumstancial issues, but in this case is taking them somewhere like a show really a good idea.
I know that theres a loop hole, and unless they react in the ring the judge cant mark them down or disqualify them for that, im putting this on the owners. Why put your dog in that position? If you're a breeder how are you portraying your lines and stock if your dog/lines have reactive dogs in them. IF i was ever to intend on breeding then showing a reactive dog isnt something i would do, because its not a good example and i would never intend to breed from this dog.
Overall Crufts is an amazing place to be whether your an exhibitor or just there to watch. There is a range of sports, shows and shops to view and it is 100% worth the day out.
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