Crufts takes place in the enormous NEC exhibition centre in Birmingham, and the sheer scale of the event is truly mind-blowing. Not only do you get to see hundreds of dogs being judged and learn all about different breeds in the Discover Dogs section, but also you can pay your dues to Doggie Mammon, in the shape of hundreds of stalls selling canine goods.
This beautiful delicate dog is a Saluki or Persian Hound, one of the oldest breeds in the world, and featured on Egyptian hieroglyphs. Salukis were used to hunt gazelles, similarly to their English cousins, the greyhounds, who were used to hunt large prey like deer. Salukis look very much like greyhounds, with the addition of tasselled ears and tail.
I was rather taken with the fabulous Borzois, also known as Russian Wolfhounds. They are amazing looking dogs; their heads are long and beautifully shaped, crowning a lean body covered in silky, curly hair. They are also quite tall, with a slightly aloof and aristocratic look worthy of a Russian prince from a Tolstoy novel.
Basset Hounds sat patiently in their boxes with their characteristic hang-dog air about them, preferring the philosophical approach to life in which the best things come to those who wait.
My favourite, greyhounds, were lounging lazily in their boxes, mostly fast asleep, making sure that they got their beauty sleep before going into the show ring. I also managed to have a chat with extremely friendly ladies from the West of England Greyhound Rescue as they sat in a special stall surrounded by these beautiful dogs, all rescued from dog racing tracks. I must say that I left that stall with a heavy heart. It is shocking that, in this day and age, abuse of racing greyhounds goes on largely unchecked and unpunished in a country like Britain and the dogs who retire from tracks still end up killed, maimed or simply thrown out by the side of the road, left to fend for themselves. It is thanks to greyhound rescues, the donating public and the amazing people who work for these charities, that greyhounds are being cared for, rescued and given another chance.
Dachshunds were not only visible but also audible from a long distance. There was much barking and macho posturing in the Dachshund section as they were waiting to go into the ring. All Dachshund varieties were present and it was joy to see them all, especially as, sadly, the Dachshund population is declining in the UK. These two ladies were exceptionally well-behaved and chose to rest before strutting into the ring to be judged.
This stunning Afghan Hound caught my attention as he was standing nearby with his owner. When I started to take photos, he posed with a calm air of a dog who knows that he is the true star of the show. He even collapsed on the floor in a sea of silky smooth, fawn-coloured hair, staring indifferently into the distance for a dramatic effect.
So all in all, it was a wonderful trip with the chance to see lots of beautiful dogs, many of whom I have never seen in real life before. I shall be definitely be back next year.
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