Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds Competition returns

Following the popularity of the Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds competition at Crufts, the Kennel Club has announced that it will take place again this year, culminating in a grand final at Crufts 2019.

To raise awareness of vulnerable British and Irish breeds, and to recognise those people who are dedicated to their survival and prosperity, the Kennel Club created the competition in 2015. The competition has already proved very popular and at this year’s Crufts, Louise Pinkney took the title with her Irish Wolfhound, Ch Hydebeck Imperial Ruler JW, known at home as Gordon.

Following the same format as last year, only the Best of Breed winners at designated group championship shows will qualify for the final.

The competition is open to all vulnerable British and Irish breeds competing at the following group championship shows:

Toy                            United Kingdom Toy Dog Society

Terrier                        National Terrier Club

Working                     National Working and Pastoral Breeds Society

Pastoral                     National Working and Pastoral Breeds Society

Hound                       Hound Association

Gundog:                    National Gundog Association

Dogs of breeds which are on the Kennel Club’s vulnerable British and Irish breeds list who win Best of Breed at the above shows will qualify for the competition and will be invited to compete in the grand final at Crufts 2019. Qualification is retrospective in some cases where the show has already taken place.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “The Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds competition is a very important event at Crufts. It is a fantastic way to highlight the plight of these breeds and promote them as the wonderful dogs they are. Louise and Gordon certainly did these breeds proud on the famous green carpet this year.  

“It is important that the show societies work with breed clubs of vulnerable British and Irish breeds so that these clubs can inspire their membership to enter the classes and take part in the competition. Crufts is a great showcase for pedigree dogs and the perfect chance to show the world just how special the vulnerable British and Irish breeds really are.”

All Crufts finalists will be notified by the Kennel Club.