The world's premier dog show, Crufts 1999, which took place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, on the 11th to 14th of March, welcomed an international audience to the largest celebration of dogs on earth.

Innocence Abroad: Our First Crufts
By H. Cavanaugh

Spectators

The number of spectators at Crufts certainly exceeded anything we see at US shows. One hundred and ten thousand visitors were expected over the four days, but the final tally must have far exceeded that. Tour buses from all over England and the Continent were everywhere. Foreign visitors came from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Holland, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Russia, Poland, Italy, Singapore, Japan, South Africa, South America, the US, and even some Arab countries, some 2,000 of them. Likewise the international canine press was well represented.

During breed judging, spectators sit on chairs next to the green carpeting (no mats) on which the dogs are shown, but there is no fencing or gates between them and the dogs. Some spectators sit or stand on the edge of the carpet or get up and walk across the ring while the dogs are being judged. No one seems upset or disturbed, least of all the judges. Observers are orderly and quiet, often taking photos, but rarely talking. They are there to watch dogs, and watch dogs they do.

Britons love animals in general and dogs in particular. They like to see them, and they understand competing with them. They arrive at Crufts from everywhere in the UK-alone, in groups, in couples, walking, in wheel chairs, on crutches, in strollers-to see and enjoy the show, although tickets are relatively expensive. Daily admission was 8.50 pounds, with group tickets being an additional 3 pounds. Admittance tickets for BIS judging was 12 pounds. Even so, going to Crufts is a popular thing that ordinary people do with great enthusiasm. They don't laugh at the Chinese Cresteds or gawk, point, and ask, "What the heck is that?" (although we were often quietly asking each other that question). The English appear to respectfully appreciate dogs in all their variety, and they don't behave as though they were at a zoo watching the orangutans. It should be noted too that every event, even the junior handlers' competitions and awards ceremonies, drew large supportive crowds. This was a delightful and thoroughly refreshing difference from American shows. Children are also not permitted by their parents to run wild and lunge at the dogs, those present being well behaved and quiet. One day and into evening, the halls were filled with the bright scarlet-and-black uniformed Chelsea pensioners, festooned in their many medals, a group of retired former military men who live together in quarters provided by the crown for their years of service. They are honored during group and BIS judging with ring-side seats. The faces of these charming old men are studies in joy as they watch the dogs performing and showing.

More from "Innocence Abroad" ...

Judging
The Exhibitors
Spays and Neuters
Facilities and Amenities
Discover Dogs
Additional Events
Spectators
Cell Phones
Gleaming Brass Horns
Photographers
Final Thoughts
History of Crufts