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Whether you choose a pedigree dog or a crossbreed, get expert advice and take a look at a few prize-winners before you buy, suggests Ella MacKay.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - and that's just the pedigree breeds. When you start looking at bitzas (bitza this and bitza that) or Heinz 57 varieties, as we used to call them, the canine choice is infinite. As a telly-watching nation we are gripped in March by Crufts in much the same way that we are mesmerised by Chelsea Flower Show in May and Wimbledon tennis in June. As owner of several 'Dulux dogs' back in the late 1970s and 1980s, I twice went to Crufts to see for myself what made a top dog. I came away with the impression that while the dogs were groomed to perfection the owners, generally speaking, were in dire need of a wash-and-brush-up! Televsion has ensured that today's owners and handlers are turned out a bit smarter. Other things have changed, too. Crufts is now, like Chelsea, a premier-class world event - last March over 25,000 dogs with their entourage converged on Birmingham's NEC arena - representing some 32 countries - along with 143,000 visitors. The show fills almost 20 acres.  Judging the Best in Show is the dramatic finale to the four days of Crufts, but it is far from being the only event of interest. Many visitors are far more impressed by intelligence than beauty: for them the appeal lies in the obedience competitions. Competing for the Obedience World Cup, challengers from all over the world give dazzling displays of teamwork and skill, proving beyond doubt the unique connection that exists between human and dog.Capital dogsThere is one more big event in the 2007 doggy calendar - the 12th annual Discover Dogs takes place 10-11 November at London's Earls Court. Organised by the Kennel Club, this is an event where visitors can meet 180 pedigree breeds - particularly useful if you are thinking of buying a puppy - and enjoy watching cross-breeds in displays and competitions. Alongside breed enthusiasts and representatives from breed rescue societies and clubs, there will be great entertainment with competitions and displays including Scruffts, the family cross-breed of the year competition grand final. Classes include Most Handsome Dog, the Prettiest Bitch, Child's Best Friend and the Golden Oldie. All proceeds from Scruffts goes to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which donates money to help dogs in need. You might think that with pedigree puppies costing upwards of £400, there would be no need for 'breed rescue societies', but sadly there is. A friend's rescued Old English had spent its first year of life tied up in a small courtyard. My second OE had belonged to a young couple who hadn't realised that, as she grew into a young dog, she would chew things and needed training. They kept her outside in a kennel where she howled day and night for company. The neighbours had called the police on several occasions. Thanks to the gorgeous dog on the Dulux paint ads, breeders couldn't produce enough Old English sheepdog puppies to keep up with demand. But owners soon discovered the constant grooming and care the breed required and many young dogs were abandoned. Today conscientious breeders question prospective owners about their home circumstances: do they have access to open land, work all day, have young children or expect to start a family soon etc. Choosing the right dogAs the slogan goes: "A dog is for life, not just for Christmas" so follow this advice from the Kennel Club to make sure you make the right choice. Male or female, puppy or adult? Discuss your options with experienced dog owners, a vet and breeders from whom you may consider purchasing a puppy (who will be informative but might be biased). People involved with rescue organisations will be realistic. Size Does your choice of dog, in relation to its size, suit your home, car, children and exercise plans, and suit friends or family that might look after it during the holidays? Large dogs generally have a shorter life span, and cost more to feed, kennel, insure and medically treat than smaller ones. Coat length and type Do you mind spending hours grooming and cleaning your dog and your house, or do you want a low-maintenance breed? Some breeds have a strong smell; others dribble a great deal. Can you live with these things? |
