Dartmoor locals anticipate success at Crufts

Many locals from Dartmoor and surrounding areas will be participating in this year's Crufts dog show.

Set to commence from Thursday, March 7, until Sunday, March 10, Crufts, is recognised as the world's largest dog show, and is an annual extravaganza organised by The Kennel Club.

Held at The NEC in Birmingham, the event draws in more than 18,000 competitors and a multitude of spectators annually, captivating audiences worldwide through international television broadcasts.

Among the eager contenders are Carrie Wilkinson and her beloved Dachshunds, Gino and Una, representing the region on the global stage of dog excellence.

Carrie Wilkinson, based on the outskirts of Ivybridge, shared her excitement about attending Crufts with her Dachshunds.

Gino the Dachshund

"Crufts is the show of the year," Carrie remarked. "We work hard all year round campaigning our dogs."

This marks Carrie's second appearance at Crufts, despite being relatively new to the competitive scene, having only immersed herself in the sport for two years. 

Una the Dachshund 

With both Gino, a Miniature Smooth, and Una, a Standard Smooth, entered in this year's competition, Carrie expressed her aspirations for their success, particularly eyeing the coveted red rosette.

Carrie shared the importance of regular attendance at ringcraft sessions since their puppy days. 

These sessions, aimed at refining show dog skills, instil ring etiquette and ensure readiness for the competition spotlight.

"My hopes for this year are that both dogs enjoy their time on the green carpet," Carrie shared optimistically.

Carrie also expressed that she would love to see the dogs win a red rosette. 

"We have some fantastic judges lined up, and I look forward to seeing the results."

Carrie and her furry companions will grace the final day of the competition on Sunday, March 10, with an early start for Gino's Miniature Smooth judging at 8am.

Gino, having already exceeded expectations, secured his stud book number, guaranteeing a lifelong qualification for Crufts. 

With an impressive track record, including a recent Best Dog win at the Dachshund Club Show, Gino aims to maintain his winning streak at Crufts.

Gino is a 15-month-old shaded red Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshund, while Una is an 18-month-old black and tan Standard Smooth Haired Dachshund, renowned for her lovable character and show ring success.

Also participating in the competition is Jacqui Dobson, from North Tawton, and her Bedlington Terrier, Cully. 

Cully, a rare sight in Devon, is a Bedlington Terrier boasting an unbroken pedigree dating back to 1782. 

He will be competing in the show on Sunday (March 10)

"I promised my breeders, Cathy Moore and Mike Chudleigh, that I would aim to get him to Crufts,” she said.

Cully, just over a year old, earned his spot after shining in previous shows.

Cully did his first show at Bournemouth Champ show aged six months and three days and qualified for Crufts. 

He’s since qualified several more times at Championship shows. 

Jacqui and Cully when he was four weeks old 

This isn't Jacqui's first rodeo at Crufts, however. 

She competed twelve years ago with her first Bedlington, Flodden, where she won second place, and now, with Cully, she's back for more excitement.

Jacqui and Cully have been training hard with Okehampton and District Canine Society, attending weekly sessions to sharpen Cully's showmanship.

Jacqui said: “Cully is an absolute live wire, so it’s taken a lot of patience to get him concentrating on the job in hand. I’ve also had to relearn how to show groom a Bedlington, after 11 years of not being too picky, luckily Cathy Moore, Cully’s breeder is happy to help.”

Jacqui expressed her excitement for the show, stating, "It’s a great opportunity to meet other people who share the same interests and to showcase your dog. I don’t have any expectations of how Cully will do, and at the end of the day I know I will take the best dog home."