CRUFTS 2023 REPORT
By Ray Galea.
By Ray Galea.
Crufts 2023, held from March 9 to 12 at the NEC Birmingham, celebrated its rich tradition by welcoming over 24,000 dogs, marking a significant increase of nearly 3,000 entries compared to the previous year. This surge underscored the event's resilience and growing popularity in the canine community.
This year's event featured over 200 pedigree breeds, with the Labrador Retriever leading the entries at 537 dogs, followed closely by the Golden Retriever with 491 entries. The inclusion of the Bavarian Mountain Hound, making its debut with six entries, added to the show's expanding diversity. International participation was robust, with 3,457 dogs from overseas, including significant entries from France (398 dogs) and Italy (387 dogs).
Beyond the conformation shows, Crufts 2023 offered a plethora of activities, including agility, obedience, heelwork to music, and flyball competitions. The event also hosted the Obedience Championships and highlighted heartwarming stories through The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, celebrating dogs' unwavering service and companionship.
Obedience Championships and highlighted heartwarming stories through The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, celebrating dogs' unwavering service and companionship.
Another very important section in this prestigious show is the International Junior Handler Competition, in which Malta was represented by Mariah Manicaro. Malta has always produced very good junior handlers and our Country has conquered this Competition on two different occasions, in the year 2000 and 2003.
This year's event featured over 200 pedigree breeds, with the Labrador Retriever leading the entries at 537 dogs, followed closely by the Golden Retriever with 491 entries. The inclusion of the Bavarian Mountain Hound, making its debut with six entries, added to the show's expanding diversity. International participation was robust, with 3,457 dogs from overseas, including significant entries from France (398 dogs) and Italy (387 dogs).
Beyond the conformation shows, Crufts 2023 offered a plethora of activities, including agility, obedience, heelwork to music, and flyball competitions. The event also hosted the Obedience Championships and highlighted heartwarming stories through The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, celebrating dogs' unwavering service and companionship.
Obedience Championships and highlighted heartwarming stories through The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, celebrating dogs' unwavering service and companionship.
Another very important section in this prestigious show is the International Junior Handler Competition, in which Malta was represented by Mariah Manicaro. Malta has always produced very good junior handlers and our Country has conquered this Competition on two different occasions, in the year 2000 and 2003.
The Gundog Group at Crufts 2023 featured a significant number of entries, with the Labrador Retriever being the most popular breed, having 537 entries, followed closely by the Golden Retriever with 491 entries.
The Gundog Group was won by AmGCh. Kan Trac Very Cheeky Chic, a four-year-old Lagotto Romagnolo from Croatia. Orca, owned by Sabina Zdunić Šinković and Ante Lučin, and handled by Javier Gonzalez Mendikote, not only secured the Gundog Group title but also achieved the prestigious Best in Show award. The team undertook a 25-hour journey from Croatia to Birmingham to participate in the event.
The Reserve in the Gundog Group was awarded to a Labrador Retriever, Sh Ch Lapema Masquerade at Sandylands.
In the Gamekeepers' Classes, which are exclusive to working gundogs and judged based on their appearance and conformation as working dogs, the overall winner was River, a five-year-old Welsh Springer Spaniel from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Handled by co-owner Peri Burchmore, River was awarded the Northesk Memorial Trophy.
The Gundog Group was won by AmGCh. Kan Trac Very Cheeky Chic, a four-year-old Lagotto Romagnolo from Croatia. Orca, owned by Sabina Zdunić Šinković and Ante Lučin, and handled by Javier Gonzalez Mendikote, not only secured the Gundog Group title but also achieved the prestigious Best in Show award. The team undertook a 25-hour journey from Croatia to Birmingham to participate in the event.
The Reserve in the Gundog Group was awarded to a Labrador Retriever, Sh Ch Lapema Masquerade at Sandylands.
In the Gamekeepers' Classes, which are exclusive to working gundogs and judged based on their appearance and conformation as working dogs, the overall winner was River, a five-year-old Welsh Springer Spaniel from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Handled by co-owner Peri Burchmore, River was awarded the Northesk Memorial Trophy.
On the 2nd day, the Working Group competition showcased a variety of impressive breeds. The Working Group at Crufts encompasses breeds originally developed to perform tasks such as guarding, search and rescue, and pulling sleds. These dogs are known for their strength, intelligence, and versatility.
Winner of the Working Group was the Dobermann, Ch Manzart Wise Guy, followed by the Tibetan Mastiff, Fr Ch Rongshai Du Domaine De Toundra.
The Pastoral Group showcased exceptional canine talent, culminating in the selection of the top two dogs, Grk Gr Ch. Airzeppeline Delia with the reserve spot going to the Border Collie - Etched in Sand by The Lake.
Winner of the Working Group was the Dobermann, Ch Manzart Wise Guy, followed by the Tibetan Mastiff, Fr Ch Rongshai Du Domaine De Toundra.
The Pastoral Group showcased exceptional canine talent, culminating in the selection of the top two dogs, Grk Gr Ch. Airzeppeline Delia with the reserve spot going to the Border Collie - Etched in Sand by The Lake.
On the 3rd day, the Terrier Group showcased exceptional talent and competition, featuring a diverse range of breeds, with notable entries including 279 Border Terriers, 136 Scottish Terriers, and 383 Staffordshire Bull Terriers, among others. The top honor in this group was awarded to Ch Blanca Vd Schoenen Bergen , a Wire Fox Terrier.
The Reserve position was secured by a Border Terrier named Ch Otterbobs Tolson.
Also on the 3rd day were the Hound breeds, the breed with the highest number of entries was the Whippet, totalling 400. Winner of the Hound Group was the a five-year-old Irish Wolfhound, Ch. Sade Paris, with Reserve going to Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand), Ch. Forget-Me-Not V Tum-Tums Vriendjes.
On the 4th and final day, Sunday, the Utility & Toy breeds were on schedule. The Utility Group was awarded to the four-year-old Standard Poodle, Ch. Huffish Rewrite The Stars With Atastar. The Japanese Akita Inu, Sh.Ch Dai Ki Chi Go Shun’you Kensha.
The Toy Group was conquered by the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Ch. Ellemich American Express.
Blanca's outstanding performance in the Terrier Group qualified her for the prestigious Best in Show competition. Ultimately, the Best in Show title was awarded to Orca, a Lagotto Romagnolo, marking the first time this breed has won the top prize at Crufts.
Best in Show Highlights
The pinnacle of the event was Sunday’s Best in Show competition, where the well known judge, Mr. Stuart Mallard, awarded AmGCh. Kan Trac Very Cheeky Chic, the Lagotto Romagnolo. Orca, as the dog is better known, made history by becoming the first of her breed to clinch this prestigious title. Orca's lively demeanor and perpetually wagging tail captivated both judges and spectators. Her victory not only highlights her exceptional qualities but also brings attention to the Lagotto Romagnolo breed, known for its truffle-hunting prowess and affectionate nature.
The Reserve Best in Show honor was awarded to an Old English Sheepdog, Grk Gr Ch. Airzeppeline Delia, handled, bred, and co-owned by Italy's Matteo Autolitano. Blondie's impressive performance showcased the breed's characteristic charm and elegance.
The Reserve position was secured by a Border Terrier named Ch Otterbobs Tolson.
Also on the 3rd day were the Hound breeds, the breed with the highest number of entries was the Whippet, totalling 400. Winner of the Hound Group was the a five-year-old Irish Wolfhound, Ch. Sade Paris, with Reserve going to Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand), Ch. Forget-Me-Not V Tum-Tums Vriendjes.
On the 4th and final day, Sunday, the Utility & Toy breeds were on schedule. The Utility Group was awarded to the four-year-old Standard Poodle, Ch. Huffish Rewrite The Stars With Atastar. The Japanese Akita Inu, Sh.Ch Dai Ki Chi Go Shun’you Kensha.
The Toy Group was conquered by the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Ch. Ellemich American Express.
Blanca's outstanding performance in the Terrier Group qualified her for the prestigious Best in Show competition. Ultimately, the Best in Show title was awarded to Orca, a Lagotto Romagnolo, marking the first time this breed has won the top prize at Crufts.
Best in Show Highlights
The pinnacle of the event was Sunday’s Best in Show competition, where the well known judge, Mr. Stuart Mallard, awarded AmGCh. Kan Trac Very Cheeky Chic, the Lagotto Romagnolo. Orca, as the dog is better known, made history by becoming the first of her breed to clinch this prestigious title. Orca's lively demeanor and perpetually wagging tail captivated both judges and spectators. Her victory not only highlights her exceptional qualities but also brings attention to the Lagotto Romagnolo breed, known for its truffle-hunting prowess and affectionate nature.
The Reserve Best in Show honor was awarded to an Old English Sheepdog, Grk Gr Ch. Airzeppeline Delia, handled, bred, and co-owned by Italy's Matteo Autolitano. Blondie's impressive performance showcased the breed's characteristic charm and elegance.
