Anyone been to Crufts

[calpol]

I've got a dog mad child. Thought I would take to crufts for a 5th birthday treat. Anyone been? Is it child friendly?? Anything laid on in particular for children?

Msny thanks

calpol - I'll ask BIL & SIL as they show some of their dogs, I think a couple of them have qualified for this years show.

Dont remember anything specific for children but there are demonstrations in the main ring-flyball/musical obediance,police dogs etc. All the show dogs are on benches-open to public and most people are very friendly and if you ask first are very happy for children to stroke dogs etc. Downside is its really really busy and can be quite a crush at times.

My mum used to breed collies- and as a kid went to loads of shows. Ok I wasn't very interested but they were quite boring for kids, but this might not be the case for your child. They spilt the dogs into groups- gundogs, working dogs, toys dogs and utility(anything that doesn't fit into the previous categories), and the obeidence and I think they have a day for each group. The best kind of shows to go to are the county agricultural shows like Devon County, East of England spring show, where they have a variety of breeds on one day, plus the dog agility (going thro tunnels, over jumps, up and down see saws) . Plus you can see lots of other animals..horses, ducks, ponies, bunnies and the odd craft tent and its a great day out. Hope that helps. WHen is dds birthday???

Calpol - just remembered, at Crufts they have something called Discover Dogs, my BIL showed one of his dogs at this event last year. have a look here for more info you'll have to click on Discover Dogs at the top.

The Discover Dogs area is nice, lots of different breeds, a hands on approach encouraged and the owners/breeders are very willing to talk.

The Junior Kennel Club usually do a demonstration and there are other demos on throughout the day.

Other than that it is mostly the smaller show rings and exhibition stands selling anything and everything dog related.

Thanks everyone. Its my child's 5th birthday. Having been completely dog mad for months and months just today started talkng about leopards! So now I'm just confused.