Berkshire 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 the All About Dogs event at the Newbury Showground, Hermitage, Berkshire on Sunday 9th April.

Dogs and owners competing at the heat are hoping to make it through to the class semi-finals, held at Eukanuba Discover Dogs at ExCeL London on 21st and 22nd October, and from there six lucky crossbreed dogs will qualify for Crufts 2018. 

This is the first heat of the year after the 2016 winner was crowned in front of a huge audience in the Genting Arena at Crufts on 11th March 2017. The Good Citizen Dog Scheme finalist, and Young Kennel Club member, Joshua King and his Border Collie/German Shepherd Dog crossbreed, Biscuit, took the top prize at the world’s biggest dog show, making them the envy of crossbreeds all over the country.

All crossbreeds and mixed breed 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 choosing 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: “Following another successful year we are pleased to welcome back our favourite crossbreed competition. Scruffts is an excellent way to recognise the love, companionship and often heroic stories of our nation’s crossbreed dogs. Not only are the heats a fantastic day out for all the family, but they are also a brilliant way to socialise your canine friend with other dogs in your area. The heats also raise money for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which supports a wide variety of work ranging from research into canine diseases to welfare issues; all making positive differences within the world of dogs.

“We are looking forward to seeing the wonderful crossbreeds in Newbury and the surrounding areas in action and want to wish all who enter the very best of luck.”

The All About Dogs show is held on Sunday 9th April featuring everything from spectacular dog display teams to entertaining fun and games.

Registration for the competition starts from 10am and the competition begins at 12:30pm.  Entering a dog into Scruffts costs just £2 per class and all entry money will be split between the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and the All About Dogs chosen charity, the Nottingham & Yorkshire Boxer Rescue service.  There is no need to enter in advance, just simply turn up on the day.

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

“Scruffts is a truly wonderful competition; a real celebration of the family crossbreed dogs of the UK. Every year we see some incredible dogs with their dedicated owners; we love to hear their stories and see the fantastic bond between them. On behalf of James Wellbeloved, we’d like to wish everyone who enters the very best of luck on their Scruffts journey. We can’t wait to see what the crossbreed dogs of Berkshire have to offer.”

For more information on the Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year competition, please click here For further information about All About Dogs visit their website.