- Over 8,000 dogs will compete during the four days of the show
- More than 200 breeds on show
- Come and meet some of the UK’s most popular working and pastoral breeds
- The opportunity to see rare British breeds including the Miniature Bull Terrier
- Dogs competing for a spot at the world famous Crufts dog show, to be held next March in Birmingham
- Many trade stands selling all things ‘doggy’
British and Irish native dog breeds, including some very rare ones, will be among the 8,000 plus dogs which will descend on Staffordshire County Showground in Stafford from 27th - 30th October for the popular Midland Counties Championship Dog Show – one of the largest events of its kind in the UK.
The show will see more than 200 breeds and their owners from all over the British Isles and beyond compete in a bid to qualify for the world’s biggest dog show, Crufts, which will be held at the NEC in Birmingham next March.
The pedigree dogs taking part will be judged on a number of factors in the ring, including temperament and that they are fit, healthy and happy dogs that are good examples of their breed, as they compete for the ultimate ‘Best in Show’ prize.
The show is one of the largest gatherings of dogs in the UK and will see rare native British and Irish breeds competing, such as the Miniature Bull Terrier, King Charles Spaniel, Irish Red & White Setter and Mastiff.
These breeds are bred in such small numbers today that they are considered by the Kennel Club to be at risk of disappearing from Britain’s streets and parks. Alongside these breeds will be some of the more well-known breeds such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Whippet, Labrador Retriever and Boxer.
The show is perfect for families researching the right breed of dog for them, and visitors will be able to meet the dogs themselves as well as talk to experts in each breed about finding a good breeder, what to expect from the breed, and training and care requirements.
Rodney Price, Secretary of the show, said: “Ours is one of the biggest dog shows in the UK, so naturally we are very proud of that fact. It brings thousands of dog lovers to the area each year and we are expecting this year’s show to be bigger and better than ever.
“The show is a huge celebration of man’s best friend and visitors will get to meet lots of wonderful dogs throughout the weekend, find out more about dog showing and the various activities they can get involved in with their own dog, and browse the many dog products on the trade stands.
“Anyone thinking about getting a pedigree dog can come along and research their favourite breeds, as well as some of the lesser known breeds they may not even have heard of, and take the opportunity to meet the dogs themselves, which is definitely a favourite with families.
“Midland Counties has supported charities over many years, including Dogs for Good (www.dogsforgood.org) to whom we have donated £30,000 to their excellent work over the last five years. The charity will be with us at the show once again so the public can find out a little more about their work.”
Competition classes are held across the seven pedigree dog groups. Thursday 27th October will see the Working and Terrier breeds competing, followed by the Toy and Utility breeds on Friday 28th, the Gundog breeds on Saturday 29th and the Hound and Pastoral breeds on Sunday 30th. Sunday also sees the climax of the competition – Best in Show.
The show is one of 37 Group and General Championship Dog Shows licensed by the Kennel Club throughout the year, which enable dogs to qualify for next year’s Crufts.
Admission to the show is free, as is car parking. Only dogs entered in the show are permitted on the showground.
More information on the show can be found here.
To find out more about dog showing, or any other activity dog owners can get involved in with their dogs, visit the Kennel Club website.