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 2018.
To raise awareness of vulnerable British & Irish breeds, and to recognise those who are dedicated to their survival and prosperity, the Kennel Club created the competition in 2015. Although only in its infancy, the competition has already proved very popular and at this year’s Crufts, Trevor Hayward took the title with his Smooth Collie, Ch Clingstone’s Hot Shot at Foxearth.
Following comments made by competitors, it has been decided that only the Best of Breed winners at the group championship shows will qualify for the final, in order to raise the standard of the competition.
The competition, which is sponsored by Eukanuba, is open to all vulnerable breeds competing at the following group championship shows in 2017:
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 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 2018. Qualification is retrospective in some cases as some shows have already taken place.
There are two new breeds that have been placed on the vulnerable breed list for 2017/2018: the Bearded Collie and the Welsh Springer Spaniel.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “The Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds Competition is a very important competition at Crufts. It is a fantastic way to highlight the plight of these breeds and promote them as the wonderful dogs they are.
“It is important that the show societies work with breed clubs of vulnerable native breeds so that these clubs can inspire their membership to enter the classes and take part in the competition. Crufts is a wonderful showcase for pedigree dogs and the perfect chance to show the world just how special the rare British and Irish native breeds really are.”
Find out more about vulnerable native breeds. All Crufts finalists will be notified by the Kennel Club.