Crufts

CRUFTS – TAIL WAGGING FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY!

The Young Kennel Club welcomes you to Crufts 2012 - with nearly 28,000 healthy, happy dogs enjoying the thrills and excitement of Best in Show with their owners, there’s no better place than Crufts to experience and learn about the wonderful world of dogs with under 8’s now getting FREE ENTRY into the show. What’s more as a fully renewed YKC member you get FREE ENTRY into Crufts over all four days! All you need to do is request a ticket on your renewal form or through the office if you are aged 8 or over.

WHEN?

Crufts dates are 8-11 March 2012 at the NEC, Birmingham and tickets are on sale now at www.crufts.org.uk

WHAT’S ON IN THE YKC RING?

This year we are devoting our ring YKC competition finals only due to the sheer number of competitors involved and the variety of competitions.  The ring programme is now available to download and if you have qualified for an YKC competition, you should have receiveved your invitation and entry forms in the post and remember, you must have renewed your membership and enter before the closing date to take part!

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

Crufts is an extremely busy environment both inside and outside of the halls, expect heavy traffic, delays and crowds and keep this in mind for your dog too! You need to allow plenty of time to travel to the show and lots of time to reach the ring, make sure you settle your dog in the benching area provided first and then you can check in with the ring party half an hour before the competition is due to start.

WHAT DO I NEED TO WEAR?

If you are competing in the YKC ring, remember to dress appropriately in line with your competition (i.e. smart for Handling and sensible footwear for Agility and Jumping). There are no specific changing facilities for members so please bear this in mind as the toilets are very busy during the show.  If you are taking part in a sponsored competition, you may be provided with a T-Shirt which you will be required to wear in the ring, you will be asked your t-shirt size on your entry form if applicable.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM COMPETING IN SCHOOL TIME?

Crufts is a four day event and competitions are inevitably held on some school days.  If you would like the Young Kennel Club to provide you with a formal letter from the office outlining the benefits and importance of attending the event/finals, please send your details to ykc@thekennelclub.org.uk with your competition details.

WHERE CAN WE STAY?

With thousands of hotels in and around Birmingham, it's good to know there's help at hand when you need it, counting on the support of the team at the Birmingham Convention Bureau makes finding the right room simple and costs you nothing at www.visitbirmingham.com.  For places to visit and stay that are open for dogs go to: www.openfordogs.org.uk

For even more information about your visit to Birmingham please visit: myvisit.thenec.co.uk/crufts.

CAN I BRING ALONG MY DOGS?

Unfortunately NO DOGS other than those that have qualified to take part in a competition, have been invited by the Kennel Club and Registered Assistance Dogs are permitted into the show.  Entered and invited dogs will need a Dog and Handler pass to gain access to the show which will be sent out to competitors in February and can only enter via specific Dog Doors.

JUDGES

Obedience – Robert Harlow

Agility – Stuart Harmes

Heelwork to Music – Kath Hardman, Richard Curtis and Michelle Dodson

Handling – Leila Tarabad

Grooming – Marita Rodgers and Javier Blanco

Please be advised that Young Kennel Club members may be photographed or filmed at events, either individually or in a group and that these images may be used for Kennel Club purposes only.  To opt out of any images of yourself or your child being used from Young Kennel Club activities or events you can email ykc@thekennelclub.org.uk or write to YKC, The Kennel Club, 1-5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London W1J 8AB.

Qualified YKC members will receive their invitations in early December