Having seven dogs in the house never seems like a lot

IT IS, but I’m surprised at the interest at that. It’s also the 40th anniversary of the introduction of agility to Crufts.

I look forward to it every year, it’s terrific. I do a lot of dog shows up and down the country, companion dog shows, but it’s been a part of my life for a very long time. WELL it’s got bigger and bigger, that’s why it still works.

There are 160,000-odd people coming through the door, paying customers, and then there’s thousands of people demonstrating, taking part in events and competing.

I’ve watched it grow like crazy. Every day there are 5,000 dogs taking part in competitions and out of those, they will produce the seven that will go into the Best in Show on Sunday night.

It’s a wonderful logistical exercise and it’s very clever how they do it. American Cocker Spaniel Afterglow Miami Ink took the Best in Show title last year. Who would you like to see crowned this time? IT NEVER worries me one way or the other which dogs come through.

There are some which have been winning regularly throughout the year – they’re very successful – but it’s very hard to predict.

I’m not an expert in the breeds. I know about them because I have my notes on them and I’ve been watching them for years, so obviously through the process of osmosis, I’ve learned a lot.