Crufts - what do I need to know?

[WonkyConk]

I’m so excited to be going to Crufts for the first time (only to watch, I doubt I’ll ever be competing there!). What are your top tips for those who have been before? I’m going on the Thursday. I can see there’s stuff going on in the various arenas, can you just wander in and sit where you can to watch those things?

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and take drinks and snacks. There’s a lot of walking.

In all the halls, there’s several smaller judging arenas. You can just sit and watch the dogs being judged, and when not in their arena, they’re left in booths on full display of everyone.

The Discover dog section gets busy, so go early there.

Theres lots of small arenas in the halls you can watch demonstrations.

You usually have to queue for the main arena. If I recall, it can be a long queue. I didn’t bother as there so much other things going on

Comfy shoes absolutely! Walked miles and nowhere to sit. Discover dogs was the best bit for me. Went many years ago now.

Thank you! I’m mainly interested in watching the agility so good to know I’ll need to get there in plenty of time to queue.

100% go and watch the younger dogs being judged - there’s real skill and effort that goes into training dogs that young (and you’ll get a chance, quite possibly, to see some of the future best breeding bitches of their breed if you’re interested in particular breeds)

If you head to the Golder deceiver shows and see a middle aged woman yelling about a Twatdog - that’ll be me! 😀

But discover dogs is great. Wear comfy shoes. Be prepared for things to be expensive!

Remember reading a thread about Crufts when I went and just found it. Lots of useful tips.

(Too tired to look last night).

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/thedoghouse/5018636-crufts-tips-and-advice

Take a shopping trolley!! It's a long walk from the car park to the halls (although there are buses). Once in halls it is really warm so shopping trolley came in handy for our coats and packed lunch. Have a look at the online show guide to see if there is anyone you especially want to see and make a note as it can be quite easy to miss areas.

It's worth checking out what is going on in the main arena & the smaller ones. Heelwork to Music, Flyball, various display teams and (a favourite) YKC events. Make a rough plan & timetable so you can prioritise the things you are interested in. Nothing worse than finding out you have missed your favourite K9 event!

Are you aloud to bring your own camera? More for a hobby and not for work

Definitely take drinks and food. I remember it being expensive and long queues for the food. And it’s very warm.