Now foreign dogs can have their day at Crufts

FIRST it was the Premier League that came to be dominated by top talent from abroad.

Now Crufts is following in football’s footsteps – by allowing foreign entrants to compete for its coveted Best In Show crown.

This year’s event – which begins at Birmingham’s NEC on Thursday – will see nearly 100 dogs from 15 overseas breeds parading around the ring after organisers relaxed rules regarding breeds not yet established in this country.

Traditional British breeds will now find themselves going head to head with the hairless Mexican xolo, the Hungarian pumi – nicknamed ‘clowns’ for their comical appearance – and the mop-like Bergamasco shepherd from Italy. Previously, owners of foreign dogs were only allowed to show off their pets in the ‘imported breed’ classes.

Caroline Kisko, secretary of the Kennel Club which runs Crufts, said: ‘It does give these dogs the right to show off in the ring. We felt that if someone has gone to the expense and trouble of bringing a breed into the country, it seemed unfair to slam the door on them for the Crufts top prize.’

Last month the Kennel Club revealed British dog breeds are at risk of dying out because owners are opting for trendier foreign pets such as French bulldogs.

The native Sussex spaniel and Glen of Imaal terrier are among the 36 that have seen their numbers decline to worrying lows over the past decade.

But for all their popularity, French bulldogs will find it difficult to scoop the canine crown this year if owners have not kept them in shape. The Kennel Club has told judges to avoid awarding prizes to ‘fat little Frenchies’ and pick slimmer winners.

This is because fatter dogs are more likely to suffer breathing problems linked to popular flat-faced breeds. Almost 21,000 dogs will compete at Crufts this week.