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Crufts 2017: Six talking points Crufts 2017: Six talking points
(about 9 hours later)
Crufts draws to a close later, with the famous dog show culminating in the coveted Best in Show award.Crufts draws to a close later, with the famous dog show culminating in the coveted Best in Show award.
But aside from the usual displays of canine agility and obedience, what have been the stand-out moments of the Birmingham-based event?But aside from the usual displays of canine agility and obedience, what have been the stand-out moments of the Birmingham-based event?
1. When it comes to accessories, less is more1. When it comes to accessories, less is more
Whether you think they're cute or cringeworthy, dogs with hair bows risked being disqualified this year.Whether you think they're cute or cringeworthy, dogs with hair bows risked being disqualified this year.
Pat Maul, a shih tzu judge, said any dogs with "bows" or "adornments" would be refused from the ring.Pat Maul, a shih tzu judge, said any dogs with "bows" or "adornments" would be refused from the ring.
Her recommendation that owners use a "plain elastic band holding the topknot only please" was prompted by new rules set out by the Kennel Club, which runs Crufts.Her recommendation that owners use a "plain elastic band holding the topknot only please" was prompted by new rules set out by the Kennel Club, which runs Crufts.
2. This year's fashion must-have: Dog onesies2. This year's fashion must-have: Dog onesies
It may be March but cosy "onesies" were spotted on many a fashion-forward dog at the four-day event, including this tiger print number.It may be March but cosy "onesies" were spotted on many a fashion-forward dog at the four-day event, including this tiger print number.
Other owners stuck to the more-traditional dog jacket.Other owners stuck to the more-traditional dog jacket.
3. Youngest ever Crufts handler?3. Youngest ever Crufts handler?
Jessica Allen, four, was the youngest dog handler at Crufts 2017 when she competed with her pet terrier Cariad - who is a year older than her.Jessica Allen, four, was the youngest dog handler at Crufts 2017 when she competed with her pet terrier Cariad - who is a year older than her.
The Kennel Club said it thought Jessica, from Stafford, was the youngest person ever to have taken part in the 125-year-old competition.The Kennel Club said it thought Jessica, from Stafford, was the youngest person ever to have taken part in the 125-year-old competition.
"As soon as she could walk she was into dogs," said her mother, Felicity Freer."As soon as she could walk she was into dogs," said her mother, Felicity Freer.
"It brought a tear to my eye"."It brought a tear to my eye".
4. A 'guardian angel' autism dog makes the final4. A 'guardian angel' autism dog makes the final
Caddie, a Labrador trained to give autistic people assistance, reached the finals of Crufts.Caddie, a Labrador trained to give autistic people assistance, reached the finals of Crufts.
He helps a 13-year-old boy to carry out everyday tasks like brushing his teeth and going to the shops.He helps a 13-year-old boy to carry out everyday tasks like brushing his teeth and going to the shops.
Caddie and his owner, Joel, are finalists in the Crufts Friends for Life hero dog competition.Caddie and his owner, Joel, are finalists in the Crufts Friends for Life hero dog competition.
5. Public displays of affection 5. Breeding remains a talking point
Crufts isn't all serious, as these pictures of pedigree pets and their owners show.
6. But breeding remains an issue
Crufts comes with its fair share of controversy, with some people claiming it does not place enough emphasis on the welfare of dogs.Crufts comes with its fair share of controversy, with some people claiming it does not place enough emphasis on the welfare of dogs.
Campaign group Peta said the show was "all about celebrating dogs who have been bred by humans to have unnatural, exaggerated features".Campaign group Peta said the show was "all about celebrating dogs who have been bred by humans to have unnatural, exaggerated features".
Last year, a German Shepherd with a sloped back appeared to struggle walking was awarded a Best in Breed prize.Last year, a German Shepherd with a sloped back appeared to struggle walking was awarded a Best in Breed prize.
The Kennel Club has said dogs can only be exhibited if they can "stand freely and unsupported" and show "structural balance". It has also said that it takes any cases of animal cruelty seriously.The Kennel Club has said dogs can only be exhibited if they can "stand freely and unsupported" and show "structural balance". It has also said that it takes any cases of animal cruelty seriously.
6. Public displays of affection
Crufts isn't all serious competition. As these pictures of pedigree pets and their owners show, there is still plenty of time for some canine cuddles.