Vulnerable British and Irish native breeds set to shine at Crufts 2020

The dogs which have qualified for the final of the Kennel Club Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds Competition at Crufts 2020 have been announced.

The competition is the only one of its kind in the UK, raising awareness of Britain and Ireland’s rare native dog breeds and recognising those breeders and owners dedicated to ensuring their continued survival. In 2019, 29 breeds fell into this category, having generated 300 or fewer puppy registrations in the UK in the previous year.

The final will be judged by well-known breeder and judge Jeff Horswell (Drakesleat), who has achieved much success with Dachshunds, Great Danes and other breeds. The finalists will parade at 4.10pm in the main arena on Thursday 5th March at the NEC in Birmingham. Pre-judging will be conducted in Hall 1, ring 3 at noon.

In order to qualify for the final, a dog must have won Best of Breed at the group championship show designated by the Kennel Club as the breed’s qualifying show.

The following dogs have qualified for the final:

• Bearded Collie, Ch/Fra Ch Miss Dior de Chester at Menander (Imp Fra), owned by Mrs B Cope
• Bloodhound, Ch Marksbury Hessie, Mesdames S Emrys-Jones & T Howie
• Bull Terrier (Miniature), Ch Dofro Stormbreaker Warbonnet (AI), Misses V Hearne & M Singleton & Mrs L & Mr D Catilina
• Collie (Smooth), Ch Coneypark Countdown for Allangill, Mr A & Mrs G Loader
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Ch Cassencarrie Choirmaster, Mesdames B Deacon & J Hill
• Deerhound, Ch Greyflax Lady Sings The Blu's, Mr G & Mrs N Bailey
• English Setter, Wansleydale Margarita, Mrs L Taylor
• English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan), Ch Witchstone Minnehaha, Messrs N Gourley & A Leonard
• Fox Terrier (Smooth), Ch Wanda vd Schoenen Bergen, Mr F Schoeneberg
• Glen of Imaal Terrier, Ch Boudivella Osca, Miss A Hannington
• Gordon Setter, Laurelhach Bemm, Mr W McAvoy
• Irish Red & White Setter, Sh Ch Ballakinnish Malachi at Oldestone, Mr D & Mrs V Wade
• Irish Wolfhound, Sade Rainbow, Mr C & Mrs J Amoo
• King Charles Spaniel, Ch Marchog Macflannelette, Mr R & Mrs K Stewart
• Kerry Blue Terrier, Ch Lemracdream Donatello, Miss P Seddon & Mr J Butler
• Lakeland Terrier, Eskwyre Red Devil, Ms J Vickers & Mr R Punter
• Lancashire Heeler, Ch Madincrowd Gabriel JW, Mrs L Jones
• Manchester Terrier, Ch Digelsa Date Night at Holtaire, Mrs J & Mr A Goodwin
• Mastiff, Ch Faynad Frankincense, Mr G Zadeh
• Norwich Terrier, Ch Ragus The Jumping Jack, Mrs L Crawley & Mr M Oddie
• Otterhound, Ch Teckelgarth Maximus, Miss M Lerego & Mr S & Mrs A & Miss E Smith
• Retriever (Curly Coated), Sh Ch Brightmeadow Never Say Die JW ShCM, Mr J & Mrs M Stephens
• Sealyham Terrier, Ch Ornella Country Living ShCM ShCEx, Mr L & Mrs D Bettis
• Skye Terrier, Whicheeta Celtic Conection VW, Miss G Grainger
• Spaniel (Clumber), Sh Ch Winhampton Over The Yardarm of Harrifield JW ShCM, Mrs L Thorogood
• Spaniel (Field), Kingsmist Panther, Ms J Harris
• Spaniel (Irish Water), Sh Ch Gloi Donn All Or Nothing at Stanegate, Mrs J Carruthers
• Spaniel (Sussex), Sh Ch Yorkham Rocking Rudolph ShCEx, Mr J & Mrs S Evans
• Welsh Corgi (Cardigan), Ch Joseter Frazer Nash, Mr P Clifton

Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts Show Manager, said: “The Kennel Club Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds Competition final is always a popular feature at Crufts. We are delighted to be able to showcase these special breeds in this way, and would urge visitors who may be interested in acquiring one of these breeds to also spend time in the Discover Dogs area of Crufts in Hall 3 where the dogs can be met at close quarters. Meeting the breeders in this way is always a great way to find out if a breed is suitable for a particular family’s lifestyle.”

Read more information on the vulnerable British and Irish breeds.