Devon Crossbreeds Given The Chance To Qualify For Crufts

Scruffts, the competition that gives crossbreed dogs the opportunity to compete in the main arena at Crufts, is looking for local top dogs as it comes to Gables Farm Open Day in Plymouth, Devon on 30th July.

Dogs and owners competing at the heats are hoping to make it through to the class semi-finals, held at Eukanuba Discover Dogs at ExCeL London in October, and from there six lucky crossbreed dogs will qualify for Crufts 2017. 

All crossbreeds and dogs in the area are invited to take part in the Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year competition, sponsored by James Wellbeloved, where all shapes, sizes and ages of dog are welcome.

Each dog entered in the competition will have a few minutes to dazzle the judges in one or more of the six competition categories: Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog, Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch, Child’s Best Friend, Golden Oldie Crossbreed, Best Crossbreed Rescue and the Good Citizen Dog Scheme class. For entry criteria for each class, visit www.scruffts.org.uk.  

When chvoosing the winner and runners-up for each class, the judge ensures that the dog has the following qualities:

  • Good character
  • Good health
  • Good personality
  • Good temperament with people and other dogs
  • Well behaved

Caroline Kisko, Secretary of the Kennel Club, which organises the competition, said: “Scruffts is a fantastic competition celebrating the love, companionship and often heroic stories of our nation’s crossbreed dogs. These heats also raise money for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which makes a difference for dogs by funding a wide variety of work ranging from supporting research into canine diseases to welfare initiatives.

“The Scruffts heats are not only the perfect family day out, but an excellent chance to socialise your dog and meet other dog lovers in your local area. We are very much looking forward to seeing the wonderful crossbreeds from Plymouth and the surrounding areas in action.”

Registration for the competition starts from 11am and the competition judging begins at 12pm. Entering a dog into Scruffts costs just £2 per class and all entry money will be split between the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and Gables Farm dogs and cats home. There is no need to enter in advance, simply turn up on the day. Please remember Scruffts is limited to a maximum of 30 dogs per class, with class entries being taken on a first come, first served basis.

James Wellbeloved is the sponsor of the competition for the seventh year running, meaning that the winners of each heat will receive delicious James Wellbeloved goodies for their dog.

Alison Sudbury, Marketing Director for James Wellbeloved said: “We can’t wait to see what Plymouth’s crossbreeds have to offer. Scruffts is such a great competition and truly celebrates the love between owner and canine.

“On behalf of James Wellbeloved, we’d like to wish all competitors the best of luck embarking on their exciting Scruffts journey.”

For more information on the Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year competition, please visit www.scruffts.org.uk.