Ever wondered what makes a Crufts winner? Find out below what the judges look for at Crufts – and how Dorwest supplements can help!
Excitement is growing for Crufts! The largest dog shows in the world; named after its founder Charles Cruft, who took up management of the Allied Terrier Club Show in 1886 and launched the first ever Cruft’s show at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington in 1891.
From shopping to scruffs, dog display teams to traditional showing, all of it can be found under one roof. Each day at Crufts is focussed on the showing of specific breed groups, from Working, Pastoral, Terrier and Hound, to Utility, Toy and Gundog.
With hundreds of dogs and their owners entered from all over the world, all hoping to win their categories, Crufts judges are looking to find the closest conformation to the ‘Kennel Club breed standard’. See below for their criteria, and what Dorwest products we would match to help!
1. Structure
Firstly, judges evaluate dog’s construction using a ‘stack’ (or ‘stand’ for freestanding breeds). Handlers align the dog’s legs and posture to highlight their physical attributes. A dog that is stood well creates a strong first impression.
Dorwest recommended natural support…
- Super-boosting diets with Keeper's Mix® ensures a specially formulated blend of eight perfectly balanced herbs to provide natural antioxidants (to neutralise free radicals), vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, fibres and complex bioactive compounds to support everything from coat to digestion.
- Bestselling Scent & Shine Shampoo contains natural ingredients: Rose geranium, Blood orange and Jasmine essential oils - ideal for all skin types and ensures a fabulous first impression!
2. Condition, fitness and characteristics
Next, judges rely on hands-on examinations to help review areas that aren’t visible from a distance, including overall construction, from depth of chest or strength of topline, coat condition and overall fitness, and any specific characteristics in the breed standard.
Dorwest recommended natural support…
- Especially formulated to promote a healthy skin and coat our Omega Star® for dogs is naturally high in nourishing Omega 3 & 6 oils, ideal for those who want to look their best and support any dry skin conditions.
- Tree Barks is also a must for helping to keep stomach’s naturally comfortable and avoiding those oops! moments in the ring. Simply sprinkle into their food to coat and soothe the digestive tract (emollient action), and slow down the passage of food.
3. Movement
Handlers guide their dogs around the ring at a trot, in a process known as gaiting. This allows judges to see dogs in motion and asses how the dog moves. Ideally, the dogs should move ‘true’ that is in a straight line however some breeds do have their own type of gait specific to their own breed but they all should show a balance, effortless gait confirming sound structure and stamina.
Dorwest recommended natural support…
- It's never too early to start a dog’s joint health journey – help maintain long-term joint health with everyday support JointWell®, supporting suppleness and flexibility for free and comfortable movement.
- For advanced joint care and those experiencing joint health challenges, MoveWellia® has been expertly formulated with vets to deliver powerful joint support to maintain comfort and mobility, ensuring a smooth journey around the ring.
4. Temperament & confidence
Judges look for dogs that are confident, calm and cooperative. Temperament is also stated in the breed standard specific for each breed and the dog should show the required temperament for their specific breed, such as ‘Friendly and no tendency to nervousness’ for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or for the Sloughi it states ‘Reserved, aloof with strangers’. Judges expect small moments of excitement, but the dog should be able to regain composure and focus quickly. Reactivity in the ring results in the exhibit being asked to leave the judging ring.
Dorwest recommended natural support…
- Anxiety, especially in a large ring surrounded by dogs and people, can be quite common. Scullcap & Valerian Tablets help to naturally reduce dog’s stress or anxiety with no drowsiness, with the specially selected ingredients working together to help support the natural relaxant pathways within the nervous system.
- Valerian Compound can be used as a top up and acts within just 30 minutes! Ensuring a calm, happy dog in the ring!
5. A natural winner
Finally, the dog chosen as the winner has a natural X factor – and conforms as close to the breed standard as possible!
