The names of the dogs which will compete in the final of The Kennel Club Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds Competition at Crufts 2023 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 2022, 32 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 Patsy Hollings, breeder of the well-known Gunalt Weimaraners. The finalists will parade at 5.45pm in the main arena on Friday 10 March at the NEC in Birmingham. Pre-judging will be conducted in hall 1, ring 5 at 1pm.
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. In a small number of instances, the Best of Breed winner’s owner has advised that they are unable to compete in the final; in which case, the Best Opposite Sex in Breed winner has been invited to compete in their place to ensure that all breeds are represented and supported.
The following competitors qualifying for the final are listed below;
- Bloodhound, Ch Maplemead Malazar of Quikotic, owned by Miss L Priestley
- Collie (Smooth), Brackenhaye Queen Of Hearts of Oakestelle, Miss M Benton
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Ch Danchester's Can You Hear Me Roar for Bonnybeck (Imp Fin), Miss L Sleight
- English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan), Ch Witchstone Unexpected Gift, Mrs L & Mr G Dixon
- Foxhound, Dazzleby Chorister, Mrs R Griffiths
- Gordon Setter, Sh Ch Flaxheath Top Model at Glenmaurangi, Mrs A Phillips & Ms T Watkins
- Greyhound, Ch Europa Decuma via Windspiel (imp Cze), Mrs E Newsham
- Harrier, Henissy Fancy, Miss C Farrar
- Irish Red & White Setter, Sh Ch Charnborough Charisma of Danwish JW, Miss T Gardner
- Kerry Blue Terrier, Ch Showtime Lady at Lemracdream, Miss C Clarke-O'Neill
- Lancashire Heeler, Leyeside Mister Wilds at Daweslean, Miss D Dawes
- Manchester Terrier, Greenjack Norris Cole at Rosadyva, Mrs B & Mr J Harrison
- Mastiff, Ch Cyberus Its All About Bertie for Womlu, Mr S & Mrs T Coulman-Hole
- Otterhound, Ch Olphae Charman**, Mrs S Lewis
- Retriever (Curly Coated), Sh Ch Brightmeadow Never Say Die JW ShCM, Mr J & Mrs M Stephens
- Sealyham Terrier, Ch Thornberryhall Touch Of Class (IKC), Messrs A Daly & K Crockett
- Skye Terrier, Ch Flanagan Energizer at Feorlig (imp Svk), Mrs K & Mr E Ryan
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Ch Flaxela Perfect Storm (AI), Mrs P & Mr J Clarke
- Spaniel (Clumber), Sh Ch Tweedsmuir She's So Sheek, Mr P & Mrs H Monaghan
- Spaniel (Field), Sh Ch Nadavin Exclusive JW, Mr C & Mrs J Holgate
- Spaniel (Irish Water), Sh Ch Kandrelli Jack Snipe, Mr S Davies & Mrs S Margerison
- Spaniel (Sussex), Sh Ch Serendel Sussex Endeavour, Mr J Goodwin
- Spaniel (Welsh Springer), Sh Ch Chanangel Sticky Wicket JW ShCM VW, Mrs A Chandler
- Welsh Corgi (Cardigan), Ch Pi Et Ra of Trefilio Borntobe Avalanche JW (Imp Hun), Miss T Irving
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 family’s own lifestyle.”
Find more information on the Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds.