Flyball Dogs... news and info

Crufts dog show is held each year in the early Spring [March] and is the pinnacle to which a pedigree dog and its owner strives for the whole of the previous year. To reach Crufts, qualifying points have to be achieved in accordance with kennel club rules, in a number of ranking shows.

As for the pedigree dog show, so for the flyball dogs, [and agility, obedience, etcetera]... qualifying rounds, shows, and points have to be gained... so that, in the end, only a certain number of teams end up representing their sport at the actual Crufts Flyball competition.

For the pedigree section, dogs from all over the UK, plus many from overseas, qualify for their particular breed and once qualified... the hard work begins all over again.

Each owner must get their dog to the peak of health, fitness, and breed standard at just the right time for the show. The dogs must be kept free from injury, away from fights, exercised correctly and groomed to perfection. Then it is a matter of finding a professional to 'show' the dog, or learning how to 'do it yourself' like a professional.

Each breed of dog is judged individually by a judge who specialises in that particular breed, although there are some judges who are 'all-rounders' and will be knowledgeable about many breeds.

Once the top dog and bitch of that particular breed have been chosen, then one has to be picked as the best overall to represent that breed in the particular group to which they belong.

Groups include... Gundogs, for example Spaniels, Pointers... Hounds, for example Bloodhounds, Greyhounds, Basset... Terriers, for example Fox Terriers, Bedlington... Toy Dogs, for example Maltese, Chihuahua... Working dogs, for example Newfoundland, Collies, St Bernard... Utility, for example Poodle, Dalmation and Bulldog.

I know that once the top dog in each individual breed reaches the Group Final it is supposed to be judged according to how well it matches its own breed standard... but there is such a diversity within each group, and a judge must surely have a preference for a particular type of dog... that the whole thing seems rather unfair to me!

Maybe it's because I am totally prejudiced in favour of larger dogs, short-haired dogs, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks in particular... they seem to have more personality, they can be idle, crafty, clever and wise, devoted to their families, and their own stomachs, to name just a few of their character traits!

But once we have 'gotten over' our disappointments on which breed represents our own particular favourite group... then remember there is SO much more to Crufts dog show, even when you just view the TV coverage and can't attend in person, than the Best of Breed, Group Champion, and then Show Champion sections.

The 'dancing dogs' are always a highlight for me, such control! Mary Ray is mesmerizing. Then there are the obedience classes, and of course the sheer speed and excitement of the Flyball, the excitement of the flyball dogs is truly infectious, and who can forget the control and agility of the dogs [and owners] in the heats and finals of the Agility itself.