Following the popularity of the Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds Competition in 2019, The Kennel Club has announced that it is taking place again this year, culminating in a grand final at Crufts 2022.
To raise awareness of vulnerable British and Irish breeds, and to recognise those people who are dedicated to their survival and prosperity, The Kennel Club created the competition in 2015. The competition has already proved very popular and at Crufts 2020, Becky Johnson took the title handling the Sussex Spaniel, Sh Ch Yorkham Rocking Rudolph ShCEx, for owners Susan and John Evans.
Following a similar format to the one used in 2019, only the Best of Breed winners at designated championship shows this year (some of which have already taken place) will qualify for the final.
Due to the cancellation of the UK Toydog and National Terrier shows this year, the Crufts Committee has agreed that the qualifying event in these two groups will be the Scottish Kennel Club ‘all breeds’ show.
The competition is open to all vulnerable British and Irish breeds competing at the following championship shows:
Hound: Hound Association
Working: National Working and Pastoral Breeds Society
Pastoral: National Working and Pastoral Breeds Society
Gundog: National Gundog Association
Toy: Scottish Kennel Club (all breeds show)
Terrier: Scottish Kennel Club (all breeds show)
Dogs of breeds which are on The Kennel Club’s Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds list who win Best of Breed at the above shows will qualify for the competition and will be invited to compete in the grand final at Crufts 2022. In cases where the Best of Breed winner is unable to compete in the final, the Best Opposite Sex winner will be invited.
Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts Show Manager, said: “The Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds Competition final is a very important event at Crufts. It is a fantastic way to highlight the plight of these breeds and promote them as the wonderful dogs they are. Becky and ‘Wilbur’ certainly did these breeds proud on the famous green carpet at Crufts 2020. It is important that the show societies work with breed clubs of vulnerable British and Irish breeds so that these clubs can inspire their membership to enter the classes and take part in the competition. Crufts is a great showcase for pedigree dogs and the perfect chance to show the world just how special the vulnerable British and Irish breeds really are. We were sad to miss seeing the final at Crufts this year due to reasons beyond everyone’s control, but hopefully next year the final will be back and more exciting than ever.”
To find out more about the competition, please go to bit.ly/3oKtdPy. All Crufts finalists will be notified by The Kennel Club.
