ShootingUK is the complete shooting resource for the British shooting community. From shotgun licence and shotgun certificate information to gun reviews, game shooting, clay shooting and more.
By Selena Masson
Monday, 23 February 2009
Gundog breeders will not boycott Crufts 2009
While the BBC, the RSPCA, the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, the Dog’s Trust, The National Dog Warden Association and Pedigree dog foods have all pulled out of the Kennel Club’s annual dog show, Crufts, gundog breeders will be supporting this year’s event due to be held from 5 to 8 March in order to promote the strength of working breeds.
Many gundog breeders have resolved to attend the event together with BASC to ensure working dogs are properly represented and to demonstrate to the public and those who set breed standards what working gundogs should really look like.
The widespread withdrawal of support from Crufts was prompted by a BBC documentary aired last August called Pedigree Dogs Exposed, which highlighted how many dogs bred for showing suffer from genetic diseases
following decades of inbreeding.
BASC’s James Green told ST: “BASC is delighted to be involved in this year’s Crufts. If, by attending, we can change the thoughts of those who dictate breed standards and influence them to get back to working standards it surely makes sense to support, in numbers, the show rings such as the BASC Gamekeepers’ ring.”
Frank Geraghty of Macgiriaght Working Spaniels in Suffolk regularly shows his dogs at Crufts and in 2008 he won the Marsh Trophy for any variety working spaniel bitch. He told ST: “I do know of some working dog breeders who will not be showing at Crufts this year. I had a long think about whether or not I was going to attend, given all the recent controversy. In the end, I have decided to go as I think it is important to educate the public about what a proper working gundog should look like. People at Crufts often come up to my working dogs and enquire as to the breed and then look shocked when I tell them it is a cocker spaniel. Flying the flag for the working standard is essential if we are to encourage other breeders to breed for health. Wouldn’t it be great if the showing and working lines rejoined and some time in the future we ended up with a true dual Crufts champion?”
BASC has responded to the Forest Service’s co...
After testing it in the field, Lewis Potter find Guerini's elegan... Read more
Fowlers welcome Government’s U-turn on nature reserves, ... Read more
Don't miss this week's issue (on sale Wednesday 1st February). FREE PRIZE DRAW - it is week 3 of our great "Gun a Week" competition, see P53 for further details and how to enter! Plus, who is top dog? Paul Rawlings reports on the 2012 Cocker Spaniel Championship. Get down to your newsagents and buy your copy today!
A legend in the shooting world, Shooting Times' much-loved column... Read more
Save up to 31% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today and perfect gift this Christmas.
Comments