Crufts 2017!

Maisie had a fantastic time at the Worlds Biggest Dog Show. She got lots of cuddles, New toys, treats and grooming items, and loved being center of attention and meeting so many of her fans. (Photo above is from 2016 - My favourite one of her there!)

We went along on Toy and Utility Day, where there were lots of other Toy Breed dogs, as well as Utility breeds, Flyball and Agility dogs, and of course lots of PAT dogs and other dogs with very special jobs! 

Both varieties of Chinese Crested compete together in the same classes. The Powder Puff has a long flowing coat, and the Hairless has just small amounts of hair on its body. Otherwise, they are judged against the same breed standard.

We watched several breeds being shown including Standard Poodles, Shih tzus, Chihuahuas (both Longcoats and Smoothcoats), and Dalmations. Maisie got a little jealous that she wasn't able to go in the ring when she saw others of her breed, but she was there to work, not to show.

She spent most of the afternoon meeting some of her fans, shopping, sampling new treats and food, and taking lots of photos! When it came to home time she was exhausted, and slept almost all the way home (a full 5 hours travel!) on her new Vet Bed. It was such a fun day and Maisie still gets excited if she hears the word "Crufts" so I think she wants to go back next year too!

Crufts is coming!

Very excited - Crufts 2017 is coming! 

Maisie has received her Crufts pass so she get go and review it for us again for both Pretty Pooches and for her Instagram account Maisies Adventures (@MaisiesAdventures) - We are all very excited to be back at the worlds biggest dog show!

Last year we went and had a lot of fun shopping, meeting some lovely people, talking to some of the exhibitors, and generally having an amazing time. Pretty Pooches aims to go every year, and Maisie loves all the attention she gets there too. Our lovely friend Claire is coming too which just makes it even better!

Anyone else coming along - if so let us know what you are looking forward to most! Are you competing? Let me know and feel free to post a photo of your dog getting ready! 

Spotlight on the Standard Poodle

Despite my favorite breed being the Longcoat Chihuahua, I am starting with the Standard Poodle because they are just stunning dogs, who can do an amazing job in the field too!

The most well known Standard Poodle has to be Ch. Afterglow Maverick Sabre (pet name Ricky!) who won Best In Show at Crufts 2014

To put it lightly, he is stunning! He has it all - Conformation, Grace, Power, and Personality! He is a dog that can put on an amazing show in the ring, but you can see would easily be able to do what the breed was originally meant to do! Just as a dog should. His breeder should be (and I'm certain are!) very proud!

Moving in the ring - Look at that muscle!
http://www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/Crufts-2015-Best-Channel-4-tonight-Clare-Balding/story-26137366-detail/story.html

Winning the Utility Group, then on to Best In Show
http://www.afterglow-spinoni.co.uk/attachments/Image/Ricky-@-Crufts1.jpg?template=generic

Ricky winning Best In Show
http://i3.cdnds.net/14/11/618x495/ricky-the-poodle-wins-crufts.jpg

Standard poodles were originally bred to hunt and retrieve birds that had been shot, particularly in water which is why they have the cuts they are shown in today. Each of the "pompoms" are there to protect the dogs joints and to give buoyancy in the water.

A poodle retrieving in the fieldhttp://www.bestinshowdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/PCA_hunt_1.jpeg

Poodles are also very good at other types of work. They can be used at Therapy Dogs, do Agility, be Support Dogs, help the Disabled, all sorts of things. Standards are very diverse dogs, and because of their inteligence they need a lot of mental stimulation. They are great pets so long as they have a "job" to do to keep their minds active as well as their bodies.

A poodle working with his owner
http://www.agooddogday.productions/working-photos/

I will write up about the Miniature Poodle and the Toy Poodle later. What brilliant dogs!

Crufts Countdown!

Im sure many people reading this are as excited as I am. Crufts is the worlds biggest dog show, and you see some of the worlds most beautiful dogs competing against each other for the coveted Best In Show title!

I am heading up to Birmingham NEC on Toy and Utility Day, especially to see my favorite breeds, the Chihuahuas, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and all 3 sizes of Poodle. Thanks to the Discover Dogs section I will also be able to go and say Hi to nearly any breed of dog you can imagine!

Lots of photos to be taken and lots of toys and treats to buy for my own pooches!

So excited!