Berkshire crossbreeds compete for the chance to qualify for Crufts

Scruffts, the competition that gives crossbreed dogs the opportunity to compete in the main arena at Crufts, is looking for local top dogs as it comes to the All About Dogs show at the Newbury Showground, Thatcham on 15th April 2018.

Dogs and owners competing at the first heat of the year are hoping to make it through to the semi-finals, held at Discover Dogs at ExCeL London on 20th and 21st October 2018, and from there six lucky crossbreed dogs will qualify for Crufts 2019. 

All crossbreeds and mixed breed dogs in the area are invited to take part in the Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year competition, exclusively supported by pet food makers James Wellbeloved, where all shapes, sizes and ages of dog are welcome (as long as they are over six months).

Each dog entered in the competition will have a few minutes to dazzle the judges in one or more of the six competition categories: Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog, Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch, Child’s Best Friend, Golden Oldie Crossbreed, Best Crossbreed Rescue and the Good Citizen Dog Scheme class.  For entry criteria for each class, visit www.scruffts.org.uk.

When choosing the winner and runners-up for each class, the judge ensures that the dog has the following qualities:

  • Good character
  • Good health
  • Good personality
  • Good temperament with people and other dogs

The All About Dogs show is held on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th April and will feature everything from spectacular dog display teams to entertaining fun and games.

Registration starts from 11am on Sunday 15th and the competition begins at 12pm. Entering a dog into Scruffts costs just £2 per class and all entry money will be split between the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and a charity chosen by the organisers. There is no need to enter in advance, just simply turn up on the day.

This year’s winner was Jack, a Shih Tzu/Maltese cross owned by 16 year-old Josie Baldwin from Deal, Kent. Jack and Josie won the Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year title at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts in March. Josie was very shy before getting Jack and found it increasingly difficult talking to people. After Jack came into her life, Josie slowly managed to build up her confidence when taking him to dog training classes, where she had to interact with other dog owners. It was there that the pair discovered the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme, and they achieved their bronze, silver and gold awards. Owning Jack has changed Josie’s life for the better and they have been inseparable ever since.

James Wellbeloved is the sponsor of the competition for the ninth year running, meaning that the winners of each heat will receive delicious James Wellbeloved goodies for their dog.

Alison Sudbury, Marketing Director for James Wellbeloved said: “Scruffts is a fantastic family competition that allows us to celebrate the nation’s wonderful crossbreed dogs. Dogs are very much a part of the family, and we are so glad to be able to recognise the crossbreeds, their stories and the wonderful bond they have with their families.

“James Wellbeloved are proud to exclusively support Scruffts and we can’t wait to see what the crossbreed dogs of Berkshire have to offer.”

For more information on the Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year competition, please visit www.crufts.org.uk/content/whats-on/scruffts/. For further information about the All About Dogs show visit www.allaboutdogsshow.co.uk/newbury.