Crufts 2014

[snala]

So I'm going to crufts for the first time on Friday ( hound day). Possibly with a 15 month old in tow. What should I expect? Any hints or tips?

Anyone going?

we're going Sunday, good advice able taking food and drinks, food is expensive at the NEC and seats scarce. we usually have a sandwich on the run and then tea and cakes mid afternoon when it's all calmed down.

looking forward to discover dogs, buying a new toy for ddog and all those lovely spaniels.

We aren't going to Crufts. DS2 won tickets to Discover Dogs last year. He showed Bumbledog in Scrufts and Jean Christophe Novelli put them second and they were given the tickets! DS2's adopted aunt has a pet food company and he found her stall at DD and was given lots of freebies!

I'm going tomorrow! First time, and quite possibly last too - but I've always wanted to see the fuss for myself. I'm looking forward to the trade stands, and hope to see the Basenjis.

I run a dogwalking agency, and one of our clients is Black Retriever X Rescue, which is run by J H, film producer and scourge of the Kennel Club. (*'s are to protect this thread from Google). I was pretty well aware of the mess some of the breeds are in before I started working with Jem, but she's really crystallised my feelings on the matter. She produced the Horizon documentary about inbreeding which ended up finishing the BBC's association with Crufts.

Anyway, I've managed to persuade the other six dog-walkers in my network to take my workload tomorrow, and will definitely follow your advice. The Pink Shopping Trolley of Granniness will be coming with me, with sandwiches, Thermos of tea and water bottle.

moosemama have you any wise advice for parking a couple of stations away?

'My' breed is a working one and in wonderful shape in health terms, if currently suffering with its popularity in the form of feckless owners - it's not all pedigree/KC = gasping mutant.

Take plenty of water - it gets a bit warm and airless in places, you will be glad of it, and lunch/snacks as the food is expensive. Try and leave the 15 month old if you can, the shopping areas become very crowded, I saw very few buggies today.

Take a backpack or granny shopping trolley else your fingers go numb from all the plastic bags.