So did I.... but then I liked most of them!!

Same old observations from someone that doesn't show.

It is sad that you feel that way, we've stressed it time and time again that a dog won't show if it's not happy, it certainly won't wag it's tail. I didn't see any being dragged around the ring, they all looked very happy, and when you see them being strung up, it is merely holding the lead in that manner, you cannot strangle the dog as it definately wouldn't move if it were gasping for breath or uncomfortable, people hold the leads in different ways depending on whats comfortable for them, nothing more sinister than that.

I liked...sorry LOVED the FCR. I am so immensely proud and have just watched the footage of him winning I cried.

He went round that ring with his tail wagging,infact it didn't stop...he is an excellent ambassador for the breed and at 9 years of age..well...it's just fab isn't it.

Well done to them!!!

He didn't look, or act like he's 9yrs though!! He looked so happy and I am glad he won too!! I want him to get the top prize so much!!

I was surprised at the tension shown by some of the handlers. The GSP was looking pretty unhappy, but the handler kept grabbing at his face while they were standing which I thought would have made it worse.
The way the flatcoat was handled - she kept loosening the lead right off and chatting to him - made for a happy dog, which helped him look his best.

Yep. He handled him really, really well and their relationship shone through. Yay for FCRs

Cosmo's sister is on the Discover Dogs stand today....they are anticipating being a tad busy as a result of last night!

Flatcoat for me all the way............liked the Bracco & Spinone.
Was it the lady from Russia with the Am Cocker that got a tad flustered & put herself between the dog & judge? Bless...
Thought it was a good gesture of the Judge to shake hands with all other competitors as the left the ring after the Cut.

Exactley what she says in the same order.

It doesn't matter how much it is 'stressed' the dog's heads are held way too high to be natural. There are lots of lead tugs (with most of the dogs) with the thin collar/lead on the most sensitive part of the throat. Just to illustrate the point (and I've no doubt whatsoever it will be seen again this year) watch the little ones being shown. I'll guarantee that you will see some with their front paws barely touching the ground at all.

There's no reason whatsoever for a dog's head to be held so high that it is in an unnatural position by means of a lead.

Personally, I think it would be nice to see the dogs without leads so that their true and natural gait can be seen, but it will never be so I barely watch the showing as it makes me uncomfortable to watch it. No offence meant to those who show, just my own personal opinion from what I see