Local dog owners set off for Crufts

Entrants from West Berkshire and North Hampshire are hoping for top dog performances this weekend

DOG owners from around the area have been gearing up for the biggest event in the canine calendar - Crufts.

After opening yesterday (Thursday) at Birmingham NEC, with gundog classes, the show continues today with working and pastoral classes, followed by terriers and hounds tomorrow and toys and utilities on Sunday, the final day of the show.

Among a 30-strong party setting off by coach from Pound Lane in Newbury for the show at 6am tomorrow will be Sandra Goodman (pictured), who runs a weekly dog training class at the Birdwood Centre, Station Road, Thatcham, where she lives.

Mrs Goodman is taking her six-year-old, long haired, shaded red Dachshund, Rokerpark Just William, to the show to parade in the Discover Dogs display on Saturday, featuring all 200 breeds.

“You are talking to the public all day long,” said Mrs Goodman, of her role in the show.

Also taking part in the Discover Dogs parade is Caroline Hughes, of Kingsclere, with her Tibetan Mastiffs, while Hilary Denton, of Lower Way, Thatcham, is hoping for success in Saturday's terrier classes with her lively 17-month-old tan and white Parson Russell terrier Rutaaro Blaze of Glory, better known as Star, making her debut at the show.

Recognised by the Kennel Club in 1990, Parson Russells, which have longer legs than Jack Russells, were originally used for hunting in the early nineteenth century.

“They are still very popular, but through the years they have crossed with other breeds and Parsons owners are trying to get back to the true breed,” said Mrs Denton, who is retired.

Also at the show will be Laura Clark, aged 47, of Thatcham with her boxer, Dottie, whose show name is Champion Clarkenwells Vogue Trader.

Anyone from Newbury or the surrounding area taking part in, successful at the show, or wants to send in photographs, can contact Newbury today.co.uk