Introduction to Crufts 2025
Next Thursday, the world's largest dog show, the renowned Crufts, will commence in Birmingham.
Although dogs from Wales have achieved some success over the years, no Welsh dog has won the top prize - 'Best in Show' - since a Welsh terrier won in 1959.
One person hoping to change that is Nia Huws from Tregarth near Bangor.
She will be heading to Birmingham with her two setters - Haf and Razz - aiming to secure the title of best Red Setter at the show.
Razz with her certificate for coming second in her breed at last year's Crufts and Nia delighted
Competition and Qualification
With over 20,000 dogs competing at Crufts, it is a significant challenge, but not an impossible one.
Crufts is not an open show - dogs must qualify by finishing first, second, or third in any Kennel Club authorized dog show to reach this stage.
Razz, a four-year-old female, came second among the setters at last year's Crufts, with Haf finishing fourth. Both setters have won other awards in shows throughout the past year.
Haf is now eight years old and competes as a veteran dog, while Razz will make another attempt to be the best in her breed.
Preparation for the Show
Nia spoke with Cymru Fyw about how she prepares for such a major show.
"As with every show, the dogs' coats must be trimmed so they look their best - not too early so the coat can regrow, but not too late either - and they will wear a special coat to travel from the car park to the show itself to keep them tidy.
"I will have a schedule, forms, and competition numbers in advance and we will be called to the ring.
"An important part of judging is 'stacking' the dog - holding the dog in a particular way to present it to the judge - and then walking around the ring while the judge decides.
"We know months in advance who the judges are for each section and breed, and each judge looks for different things sometimes.
"I know that we have to wait to see who the judges are before deciding whether to compete or not - it's a bit like a festival in a way and there is some 'devil singing' that happens in a way!
"Two different judges select the best dog and bitch in each breed, then they meet to discuss the best of the two winners to go on to the next stage."
Judging Process and Groups
After the individual breed winners are chosen, they then compete to be the best in their group. There are seven groups: Gundog, Hound, Pastoral, Terrier, Toy, Utility, and Working.
Razz and Haf are Gundogs, which is the most successful group in Crufts history, but also the group with the highest number of competitors.
There are 250 setters in this year's show, but 600 golden retrievers!
The odds are somewhat better if you have a Komondor - a Hungarian sheepdog breed - as only three of those will be at Crufts next week.
Prize and Prestige
A small whippet from Italy - Miuccia - was last year's Best in Show winner at Crufts.
One thing is certain: no one goes to Crufts expecting a huge financial prize.
The prizes are remarkably low, with the Best in Show winner receiving only £200.
On the other hand, the status and honor of winning the world's largest dog show is something money cannot buy.
Additional Information
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Images of the Competition
Razz and Haf after finishing 2nd and 4th among the red setters at Crufts 2025
Crufts judges keep a close eye on the dogs as they run around the ring
