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A day in the life of a Crufts dog – photo essay A day in the life of a Crufts dog – photo essay
(1 day later)
Red and white setters Rhett (Gallybob Rhett Butler), nine, and his nephew Rhys, (Rustasha Golden Rhythm), three, are competing in Crufts 2017.Red and white setters Rhett (Gallybob Rhett Butler), nine, and his nephew Rhys, (Rustasha Golden Rhythm), three, are competing in Crufts 2017.
The show is expecting 21,838 dogs over four days, with 3,469 of those from overseas. More than 160,000 dog lovers are estimated to be visiting Crufts for this year’s show.The show is expecting 21,838 dogs over four days, with 3,469 of those from overseas. More than 160,000 dog lovers are estimated to be visiting Crufts for this year’s show.
This is the eighth time Rhett has qualified for Crufts, and the second for Rhys. They are here with their owner, Brenda Bailey, 51, and their friends, bitches Erin (Caispern Winning Colors), four, and Niamh (Lovenjoel Belle of the Ball) 16 months, plus their owner Sam Soper, 39. Red and white setters are a vulnerable breed, with only 62 puppies registered last year.This is the eighth time Rhett has qualified for Crufts, and the second for Rhys. They are here with their owner, Brenda Bailey, 51, and their friends, bitches Erin (Caispern Winning Colors), four, and Niamh (Lovenjoel Belle of the Ball) 16 months, plus their owner Sam Soper, 39. Red and white setters are a vulnerable breed, with only 62 puppies registered last year.
Early startEarly start
It’s an early start at the Blue Inn hotel in Redditch. The dogs have to arrive at the NEC Birmingham at 7am – and Rhys doesn’t want to get up. The competitors in the neighbouring room kept Rhys awake from 5am as they were bathed and blasted dry.It’s an early start at the Blue Inn hotel in Redditch. The dogs have to arrive at the NEC Birmingham at 7am – and Rhys doesn’t want to get up. The competitors in the neighbouring room kept Rhys awake from 5am as they were bathed and blasted dry.
“Crufts isn’t my favourite for the actual dog show,” Brenda tells us, “but it’s the best for meeting everyone – you see people you haven’t seen since last Crufts. Because the red and whites are a vulnerable breed and we have such a small entry, all of us are close, so it’s like a big family gathering.“Crufts isn’t my favourite for the actual dog show,” Brenda tells us, “but it’s the best for meeting everyone – you see people you haven’t seen since last Crufts. Because the red and whites are a vulnerable breed and we have such a small entry, all of us are close, so it’s like a big family gathering.
If there’s any rivalry it’s between the owners rather than the dogs – sometimes we have bets on what classes we can win for a bit of fun. I had a bet with my friend Sam that I would get higher placed than her in Good Citizens so I won today. Erin came second but Rhett came first. We always do it for silly bets like a cup of teaIf there’s any rivalry it’s between the owners rather than the dogs – sometimes we have bets on what classes we can win for a bit of fun. I had a bet with my friend Sam that I would get higher placed than her in Good Citizens so I won today. Erin came second but Rhett came first. We always do it for silly bets like a cup of tea
Brenda arrives and enters Hall One of the NEC with Rhett and Rhys on their leads to register; the dogs competing in Crufts arrive at 7am ready for the first show at 9am.Brenda arrives and enters Hall One of the NEC with Rhett and Rhys on their leads to register; the dogs competing in Crufts arrive at 7am ready for the first show at 9am.
Hanging aroundHanging around
Once they have registered, the dogs are not allowed to leave before 4pm. They have to spend 90% of their day “benched”. They are comfortable and get to relax with their owners but it can be tiring for both.Once they have registered, the dogs are not allowed to leave before 4pm. They have to spend 90% of their day “benched”. They are comfortable and get to relax with their owners but it can be tiring for both.
June Harrison with her dog Corranroo Commitment To Siorrudh – feeding treats to Erin and Niamh who are benched on the right.June Harrison with her dog Corranroo Commitment To Siorrudh – feeding treats to Erin and Niamh who are benched on the right.
It’s sociable for both owners and dogs – Rhett has just seen his brother who he hasn’t seen for ages, though sadly his mum couldn’t come in as she’s on heat – BrendaIt’s sociable for both owners and dogs – Rhett has just seen his brother who he hasn’t seen for ages, though sadly his mum couldn’t come in as she’s on heat – Brenda
It is a bit of a long day though – we had to be here first thing this morning because Rhett was in the first show at 9am, and we have to stay until 4pm because the paying public want to see the dogs. Being a rare breed, people are really interested in them – sometimes they think they’re large spaniels, so we educate them!It is a bit of a long day though – we had to be here first thing this morning because Rhett was in the first show at 9am, and we have to stay until 4pm because the paying public want to see the dogs. Being a rare breed, people are really interested in them – sometimes they think they’re large spaniels, so we educate them!
In the red and white setter area, tired dogs and owners try to relax as they pass the time.In the red and white setter area, tired dogs and owners try to relax as they pass the time.
JudgingJudging
The red and white setter was the original Irish setter. Like the other setters they were traditionally used by falconers, indicating the presence of game by going into a “set” or “freeze” when they scented game. Before the invention of gunpowder, they were used with nets and the hunters would come and throw nets over the crouching birds that the dogs had located.The red and white setter was the original Irish setter. Like the other setters they were traditionally used by falconers, indicating the presence of game by going into a “set” or “freeze” when they scented game. Before the invention of gunpowder, they were used with nets and the hunters would come and throw nets over the crouching birds that the dogs had located.
According the Kennel Club, the Irish red and white was the preferred setter because its colours made it easier to spot when working at a distance. The breed suffered from the later popularity of the red setter, and the population dwindled in the first decades of the 20th century. Fortunately, in recent years, there has been a revival of interest. Irish setters have won “best in show” four times.According the Kennel Club, the Irish red and white was the preferred setter because its colours made it easier to spot when working at a distance. The breed suffered from the later popularity of the red setter, and the population dwindled in the first decades of the 20th century. Fortunately, in recent years, there has been a revival of interest. Irish setters have won “best in show” four times.
Rhys looks on as a judge, Mr P Jeffrey, examines a rival in the postgraduate class.Rhys looks on as a judge, Mr P Jeffrey, examines a rival in the postgraduate class.
Rhett and Rhys did well today - they behaved themselves and were really good in the ring so I couldn’t ask for any more. They didn’t get placed but placings depend on what each judge is looking for – some go more on structure and some on colour. The shape of the dogs varies slightly – if someone has been on the circuit a long time they can walk up and tell you who bred your dog - BrendaRhett and Rhys did well today - they behaved themselves and were really good in the ring so I couldn’t ask for any more. They didn’t get placed but placings depend on what each judge is looking for – some go more on structure and some on colour. The shape of the dogs varies slightly – if someone has been on the circuit a long time they can walk up and tell you who bred your dog - Brenda
Rhett, and Brenda are delighted with his first place in the Good Citizens class, Irish Red & White Setters.Rhett, and Brenda are delighted with his first place in the Good Citizens class, Irish Red & White Setters.
Rhett’s certificate for first prize in the Good Citizen class, Irish red and white setter. Right: an exhausted Rhett sleeps next to his rosettes.Rhett’s certificate for first prize in the Good Citizen class, Irish red and white setter. Right: an exhausted Rhett sleeps next to his rosettes.
Today has been amazing for me, a complete joy. Niamh was third in her junior class but Erin has been the star, coming second in her postgraduate class. I’ve done a lot of preparation and Erin has had a massage every week in the month leading up to today, plus ring-craft classes and she also went to the groomers on Thursday. Today she just showed off her ability and beauty and looked really relaxed. It’s not easy to qualify for Crufts, so then to get placed under a different judge is amazing – Sam SoperToday has been amazing for me, a complete joy. Niamh was third in her junior class but Erin has been the star, coming second in her postgraduate class. I’ve done a lot of preparation and Erin has had a massage every week in the month leading up to today, plus ring-craft classes and she also went to the groomers on Thursday. Today she just showed off her ability and beauty and looked really relaxed. It’s not easy to qualify for Crufts, so then to get placed under a different judge is amazing – Sam Soper
As the Irish red and white setter competition draws to a close, other dogs and humans begin their grooming in Hall One.As the Irish red and white setter competition draws to a close, other dogs and humans begin their grooming in Hall One.
HometimeHometime
Packing up to leave after a long day brings great excitement for Brenda, Rhett and Rhys.Packing up to leave after a long day brings great excitement for Brenda, Rhett and Rhys.
Rhett and Rhys will be absolutely shattered when they get home and they will sleep all day tomorrow. But they do love staying in hotel room because it’s the only time they’re allowed on a bed – it helps to settle them in a strange place to know you’re near - Brenda Rhett and Rhys will be absolutely shattered when they get home and they will sleep all day tomorrow. But they do love staying in a hotel room because it’s the only time they’re allowed on a bed – it helps to settle them in a strange place to know you’re near - Brenda
Rhys is relieved to leave the competition hallRhys is relieved to leave the competition hall
Rhys shows his appreciation on his way outRhys shows his appreciation on his way out
The dogs seem happy to be in the car heading homeThe dogs seem happy to be in the car heading home
Brenda plans to go to Crufts again next year if she qualifies. “We’ll start again with the first championship show in May.”Brenda plans to go to Crufts again next year if she qualifies. “We’ll start again with the first championship show in May.”