More than 550 dogs, involving representatives from all 34 vulnerable native breeds, are set to attend the very first open show dedicated to British and Irish dog breeds in Warwickshire this weekend, hoping to qualify for Crufts 2024.
The Vulnerable Native Breeds Show, which is dedicated to the 34 British and Irish native breeds, as designated by The Kennel Club as vulnerable, takes place on Sunday 18 June 2023 at The Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.
The Best in Show winner will qualify for Crufts 2024 and among the large number of dogs entered, Lancashire Heelers, from the pastoral group, have drawn the highest entry of 45 dogs. The second highest entry is Curly Coated Retrievers from the gundog group with 34 dogs, finally in third place is a smaller gundog breed, the Field Spaniel with 32 dogs entered.
Vulnerable native breeds are dog breeds of British and Irish origin that are considered to be vulnerable due to their declining registration numbers recording 300 or less per year. The Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breed list was devised to highlight such breeds that are at risk of disappearing from our parks and streets, often because people don’t know they exist or they have fallen out of the public eye.
Jacky Cutler, Secretary of The Vulnerable Native Breeds Show, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the number of entries we have received for the show, which is hosted by the Lancashire Heeler Association, and are grateful to everyone who is supporting it. We hope that it will also provide an opportunity for members of the public to come and meet the breeds that will be showing and their responsible breeders, watch the judging and chat to representatives from the breed clubs for information and guidance.
“It’s a great opportunity to meet all kinds of dogs from the smaller short-haired English Toy Terrier to the longer coated herding breeds such as the Bearded Collie and the tallest hound breed – the Irish Wolfhound.”
Mark Beazley, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club, said: “It’s very encouraging to see so many vulnerable native breeds entered at this show – the first of its kind. We hope that the British public comes out to support the show as many of these lesser known breeds could be the perfect fit for certain owner’s lifestyles but are being overlooked in favour of other breeds that might not be, simply because they are not as well known.
“There are 222 breeds of dog recognised in the UK so there is a breed for everyone and there will be plenty of experienced and knowledgeable breeders and owners of vulnerable native breeds to chat with and meet their dogs on the day.”
Judging starts at 9.30am and there will be refreshments and food available to buy and the opportunity to win money in a cash raffle.
Entry to the show and parking is free however if you wish to bring your dog along, there is a charge of £2. See the event organisers on arrival and complete a short form. Owners must keep their dogs under control and on a lead at all times when visiting the event.
The Kennel Club’s #SaveBritishDogBreeds campaign aims to remind people about the 222 breeds of pedigree dogs in the country, including those historic native breeds that are at risk of disappearing, as they become forgotten. More information about Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds can be found by visiting The Kennel Club website.