If you love dogs, then there need only be one dog-related date on your calendar each year.
Crufts, the most famous dog show on the planet, has been going since 1891, and this year will host more than 20,000 dogs. Yes, that's 20,000.
When people think of Crufts, they usually think of dolled-up dogs with their not-so-dolled-up owners, daintily skipping across the floor in front of a panel of judges in a gallant effort to win Best in Show. Well it is that. But it's also a lot more.
Show highlights include:
the competition for Best in Show
several arenas with lots of competitions and special dog-related displays
the Discover Dogs area where you can meet more than 200 dog breeds – great for anyone considering getting a dog as you can get advice direct from the owners here
a chance to learn about training dogs with the Good Citizen Dog Scheme
a Dog Activities Ring where you can learn how to get more active with your dog
a plethora of trade stands offering all manner of goods for your mutt
Every day is packed with things to enjoy, such as rescue-dog agility demonstrations, a display by gundogs, flyball competitions, heelwork to music demonstrations, and the Temptation Alley Challenge, to name but a few. See the
daily listings for full information.
There'll also be special performances by the Southern Golden Retriever Display Team (Saturday and Sunday) and the Tricky Tykes Terrier Display Team (Saturday).
Crufts' theme this year is "happy, healthy dogs", so there'll be plenty of information available about how to maintain the health and well-being of your beloved dog.
Of course, what every dog owner at the event wants more than anything else is for their dog to win Best in Show.
Across the four days of Crufts 2011, a Best in Group is chosen from each of seven pedigree dog groups, with the winners going on to the Best in Show finale, which takes place on the Sunday evening.
Last year's Best in Show winner was a Hungarian Vizsla called Yogi.
Crufts 2011 is being held at the NEC in Birmingham,
which can be reached within a couple of hours from London.
Note: Only dogs with prior permission can be brought to the show.
