Crufts Dog Sports

[Kavik]

I've been watching Crufts agility, obedience and flyball on YouTube. Thought cool! I can see some great dogs of all breeds competing! Well, you could really be forgiven for thinking that Border Collies are the only breeds that exist or the only ones that do these sports! 90% of dogs were BCs! Now I know they are good sports dogs and even in Aus are probably the most popular competition breed, but really I was hoping to see some other breeds too! At least there was a Kelpie appearance in agility! I was really hoping to see some good little JRT or Staffy action in flyball,as I have seen heaps of those in competition here.

[poodlefan]

I haven't watched Crufts but the World Agility Championships gives you more variety in breeds - including ones we have don't have here.

Worlds have separate height divisions - not sure if Crufts doesn't but that may be a reason for the lack of variety. 500 dogs pretty dominate the sport here and BC's dominate the height - Crufts might be the same.

I do know that the Brits have to win classes to advance through the levels.

[Kavik]

There were some separate height stuff - but except for the small dogs, and a few international dogs, they were pretty much all BCs (except Zico, go the Kelpies!).

While I have a 600 Kelpie, and love my rocket Kelpies, I do really enjoy watching the little dogs run. It must be frustrating for those with other breeds to see the sport so dominated by one breed. Not that I don't like BCs, lovely dogs, bit hairy for me

[squeak]

I'm not sure if Canine Freestyle (aka doggie dancing aka heelwork to music) is your "thing" but here is a fantastic beardie collie doing his thing - at Crufts (in 2007) and other places...