I have sat back for a while, whilst reading every reply and considering both sides.

First of all, I repeat what I said earlier that I can see how much people get out of showing their dogs - after all, many of us enjoy the odd fun show, so the feeling one gets from "proper showing", and ultimately Crufts, must be wonderful.

However, it seems to me that the pro Crufts contingent on this thread are totally unable to accept that there may be problems, and any posts which cite instances of possible wrongdoing in the breeding/showing world are tossed aside either without being fully answered or are branded "false" and without substance.

There have been so many detrimental documentaries and articles in numerous newspapers about the kennel club and some breeders, backed up by hard evidence, and these have been viewed and read by millions of people. Many of these people, including myself, have taken the trouble to do a little research. To go into it all on here would take up too much room, but one example of breeding to standard gone crazy is the Boxer. I looked at a picture of the original lovely head of this dog, and then at a modern Boxer which is seen all over the place. I know which one I prefer - if a squashed nose which causes breathing troubles in some dogs is what is required to win a class then yes, I am anti showing and therefore Crufts. This is only one example..........and like millions of others, I feel that Crufts is badly tarnished.

The pro Crufts corner can argue all they like that the BBC and Pedigree both disappeared in a puff of smoke after that fateful year of the overweight, struggling to breath, Peke and the subsequent damning documentaries, for any reason other than making a stand against something that seemed to have lost it's way ........but the fact of the matter is that the Kennel Club seemed to take something seriously because they set about changing things, albeit slowly.

If something is set in motion which reverses some of the dreadful things that have been done to some dogs in the name of perfection, then I might reconsider my opinion of Crufts. I have many doggy friends some of whom take part in showing, or shooting with gundogs etc. etc. , and some who have never had a dog. There is not one who is currently enamoured with Crufts, but like myself, are willing to keep an eye on things to see how they go.

You can all argue all you like that the atmosphere is wonderful, the dogs enjoy it, etc. and I don't dispute that. I am just saying that for a great many people who used to enjoy it over the past decades, the magic has gone for the moment.

I dont think its a case of not believing their is wrong doing within the breeding and showing world. If there wasnt there would be no rescues, no puppy farmers and such. Of course there are wrong doings in both and anyone that cant admit that has their head so far in the sand I would be scared. The problem people have is with them that cant accept with bad mostly comes good. Of course their are bad breeders, but dont that let you believe all breeders are. Of course there are people showing who think more of competing that the dogs their competing with. But this again does not mean everyone that shows sees their dogs as a tool/piece of equipement/machine/robot or what ever else other than a spoilt, loved family member.

I totally agree......there are far more good breeders than bad, and show people are I am sure mostly good folk who care very very much for their dogs. However - this does not alter the fact that breeding in a great many cases has been forced to follow the "standard". It is this standard that has to revert to a more natural state for many breeds before Crufts can truly hold it's head high again.

Do you mean the black crossbreeds & mongrels she imports from Ireland ????

Don't you think we have enough unwanted dogs in the UK without importing more from Ireland ??

I have sat back for a while, whilst reading every reply and considering both sides.

First of all, I repeat what I said earlier that I can see how much people get out of showing their dogs - after all, many of us enjoy the odd fun show, so the feeling one gets from "proper showing", and ultimately Crufts, must be wonderful.

However, it seems to me that the pro Crufts contingent on this thread are totally unable to accept that there may be problems, and any posts which cite instances of possible wrongdoing in the breeding/showing world are tossed aside either without being fully answered or are branded "false" and without substance.

There have been so many detrimental documentaries and articles in numerous newspapers about the kennel club and some breeders, backed up by hard evidence, and these have been viewed and read by millions of people. Many of these people, including myself, have taken the trouble to do a little research. To go into it all on here would take up too much room, but one example of breeding to standard gone crazy is the Boxer. I looked at a picture of the original lovely head of this dog, and then at a modern Boxer which is seen all over the place. I know which one I prefer - if a squashed nose which causes breathing troubles in some dogs is what is required to win a class then yes, I am anti showing and therefore Crufts. This is only one example..........and like millions of others, I feel that Crufts is badly tarnished.

The pro Crufts corner can argue all they like that the BBC and Pedigree both disappeared in a puff of smoke after that fateful year of the overweight, struggling to breath, Peke and the subsequent damning documentaries, for any reason other than making a stand against something that seemed to have lost it's way ........but the fact of the matter is that the Kennel Club seemed to take something seriously because they set about changing things, albeit slowly.

If something is set in motion which reverses some of the dreadful things that have been done to some dogs in the name of perfection, then I might reconsider my opinion of Crufts. I have many doggy friends some of whom take part in showing, or shooting with gundogs etc. etc. , and some who have never had a dog. There is not one who is currently enamoured with Crufts, but like myself, are willing to keep an eye on things to see how they go.

You can all argue all you like that the atmosphere is wonderful, the dogs enjoy it, etc. and I don't dispute that. I am just saying that for a great many people who used to enjoy it over the past decades, the magic has gone for the moment.

All breeds(with possibly the exception of the original Canaan dogs)are man made so how can they revert to being"natural"-that would mean they all revert to the first domesticated dogs !! Not something people nowadays would want to live with on the whole

Oh dear----now no one is allowed to help rehome dogs from other countries.
You really have got it in for her haven't you? Maybe because she got a lot right and had the courage to do something about it. Beverley Cuddy had been trying for years as well but didn't have a big enough soap box.

Well done her IMO.

If someone came into agility or HTM and did something which helped the dogs I'd be applauding them not knocking them.
rune

Erm whats wrong with black crossbreeds and mongrels being bought over to be rehomed?

Oh I know all about dogs being imported from Ireland!

She didn't say natural---she said 'more natural'

rune