[doganjo]

To me it sounds like a bit of panic reaction from the KC......silly as well as a waste of time and money!

Yes, I think most of us who were there would agree with you.  The Clumber's eye certificate was just about a month old, I was told

[doganjo]

And the boy does it again!!1  This was an online photo competition to raise funds for Doglost.

Three Brittanys were entered among the thousands of other photographs, and all three were placed - in the AV gundog class, I entered both my boys and Allez was 1st with Bobby in 5th place

Almost as sweet as our Crufts wins 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=291869910885886&set=a.291868647552679.65699.238681256204752&type=1&theater&notif_t=like

[Sylvia]

I didn't go to Crufts this year, as a show I hate it , neither do my dogs like the N.E.C. I hate the idea that I have to pay for my dog to be an exhibit, not allowed off their bench except for twenty minutes to go for a pee (which most of the bitches won't do in a "public lav") And even if they are really fed up and want to go home they have to stay there until the K.C. say they may go
I hate the way the paying public are allowed to pet and handle around the mouth a dog who may have come from abroad carrying God knows what diseases and then do the same to your dog. I once put a notice on my bench saying," No touching please, it spreads disease" and was told to take it down
As for the dogs not allowed to take part in the group, what a smack in the face for the breed judges!!!!! A lifetime of experience in the breed and some vet. who probably hasn't seen, say a Basset or a Clumber more than two or three times in their career proclaims that the judge didn't know what he was talking about
And don't get me started on Clare Balding or I'll be here all day!!!!!!!!!!!!
There, that's my rant over
Well done, Annie and your lovely dogs

[doganjo]

Rant away, I agree with some things but to be honest it is not as bad as you say. 

My dogs were safe on their benches because as a breed we owners get on well so look after each others dogs to let each of us some free time round the stands.  Also the KC allows cages and bench guards   When were you last there?  Things have changed.

There are plenty of exercise areas where they can be taken for a pee and a poo, and also some outside ones this year - just needed to get a stamp on your hand.  The stands are numerous and there are some fantastic things to but, not just doggie stuff.

As for the breeds where the BOBs were withdrawn, there is a big hoo ha going on about the way the KC handled this and a group has been set up called the Canine Alliance which will ask KC to change their policy, to explain their actions, and to request that ALL dogs have a vet certificate prior to entry being accepted for a show or trial , 

This should have been in place long before now as it is under the FCI rules.

As for those designated breeds - they are riddled with exaggerations and do have health issues so it is only right that they should be investigated - but NOT in such a high profile show, and NOT after judging, although ALL of them knew this was going to happen as it was printed in the schedule. 
I have defended the KC on many occasions but no longer I am afraid, so we agree on that.

That's MY rant over! 

[Sylvia]

I was last there as an exhibitor four years ago. Difficult to get a greyhound or deerhound size crate on those benches

[doganjo]

I was last there as an exhibitor four years ago. Difficult to get a greyhound or deerhound size crate on those benches

I have a bench guard you can have if you ever decide to go again.  Just fits over the front of the bench - any width.

[Sylvia]

Thank you, Annie. Four years ago my Greyhound bitch got a first in Greyhound P.Grad, and I was thrilled but the noise and the crowds upset her so much that she did dismally in the challenge, even though the judge gave her a second chance. She wanted to go home, it had been a long day, up at 4 a.m. A 3 hour journey, desparate for a wee and too tensed up to go, inside or out.
When I was a  youngster we took the train to Earls Court, all very leisurely, no tension just friendly folk and friendly dogs, no screaming fly-ball crowds or throngs of paying public. Really, just another dog show!
Like Glastonbury, it's all got too big for me

[Sylvia]

Forgot to say, I'm trying to make a pug up, so may well be persuaded to go next year

[doganjo]

A pug - then you'll know Amanda Ellis(Eastonite)  - she has Brittanys too and is on the Club Committee.

As for distance - try 6 and a half hours each way,  I left here at 1 am on Friday morning and got home at 2 am Saturday morning!