The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Cool win at Crufts show for playful Minty
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier from the city is basking in glory after winning a top- dog award at Crufts.
Minty, a black and white Staffy from Stanground, charmed judges at the international contest and won the Good Citizen Class in his breed.
The two- year- old family pet – known in show circles as Fairlenium’s Snow Patrol – lapped up the crowd’s applause at the event in Birmingham.
Back home in Fen View, Stanground, Minty is enjoying extra fuss from Freddie, his owners’ four- year- old son and the sight of his winner’s red rosette.
Proud owner Steve Fairhurst said Minty puts in his miles to represent the city in dog shows around the UK.
He said: “Just to be at Crufts is amazing, but to come away a winner is just brilliant.
“You’ve got 400 people watching you on the day and to pick up a rosette for Bestin Class is really great.”
Minty was judged against strict Kennel Club standards, designed to spot the finest dogs in each breed.
Steve said: “I think the judge picked Minty because he’s just really well put together and he’s a cracking mover.
“He moves with real drive and power, effortlessly with what I’d call economy of effort.”
And Minty is no stranger to the spotlight.
He had already won the Good Citizen Class at Crufts in 2012 and picked up a Cer- tificate of Merit and a Junior Warrant after impressing at shows around the UK.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are one of only two breeds of dogs deemed ‘ good with children’ by the Kennel Club, said owner Steve.
He said: “My son Freddie loves Minty, and Minty is a very gentle dog and very considerate.
“They’ve grown up together and Freddie comes to all the shows and he’s always ring- side with Minty.”
Minty is the fifth generation of the same family of Staffy to live with the Fairhurst family.
Steve said: “They are very misunderstood dogs.
“When terrible things happen it’s very rarely an ac- tual Staffordshire Bull Terrier involved.
“They are not a brilliant dog to have around other dogs, but with people they are so good, so it’s ashame the bad reputation has built up.”
Loveable Peterborough hound Mugly– famed for being ‘ Britain’s Ugliest Dog– also made a guest appearance at Crufts, to raise money for the charity Pets As Therapy.
Mugly’s owner Bev Nicholson, from Eastgate said: “He always gets such a great reception, he goes down really well and we always have a big crowd. He doesn’t mind the attention at all, he really enjoys it. People come up to him and want to touch his skin and they are really surprised when it is so soft.”