Not sure, by this time next year Hattie will be 10 1/2 years old, it's a long day but I suppose lots of laying around is acceptable It would be good to spread the PAT word x
My highlight today was being in the right place at the right time, with of course chocolate labradors and ....Noel Fitzpatrick He was talking to a well known breeder about a young dog, and checking hips, elbows etc..Channel 4 did broadcast a short clip, but they didn't capture the genuine warmth of Noel for the dogs. The moment the black lab on his right got fed up with not getting attention and shoved his blanket at Noel demanding a tuggy game was pure class! Of course he happily obliged and we all got a treat of Noel and the black lab playing an enthusiastic game of blankie tuggy I took loads of photos, and this clip of Noel FP Some photos.. https://flic.kr/s/aHskQL1vAT
I was so impressed with how the dogs coped with the long day and all the people. One owner I was talking to in Discover Dogs had just appeared to cover for her breed with her dogs who had both just been in the ring for their classes. Don't be put of by age - one dog I met on one of the charity stands this morning was 14 and enjoying herself meeting people (and scrounging a few treats)
@Beanwood So lucky to see the gorgeous Noel Fitzpatrick - really jealous now. So.much to see and do though and I didn't hear my phone reminder to go and see him Perhaps next year
Nope not a clumber or spaniel of any description although tempted by some gorgeous Field Spaniels today
Having had an oldster service dog in Brogan, I can tell you that as long as she is healthy and isn't bothered by meeting lots of new people, there is no reason at all that a 10.5 year old Hattie wouldn't love that sort of day just because of her age. If anything, Brogan got even more into his "gracefully accepting the love and adulation of the masses" stage post 10 years old. From what you've said of Hattie, I have a feeling she would also bask in the attention!
My heart melted for the little black Lab bitch in the gamekeepers class. She was scared, poor little love. Reminded me of someone...
We had a wonderful day yesterday, had to curb the spending a bit as I'm popping over to Australia to visit my granddaughter next month but I got loads and loads of treats, two soft toys, an activity Kong and new non slip mat and the best waterproof hat ever. I've also made a mental note of some rather nice jumpers and jackets next year as we plan a bit of a road trip to Scotland. I absolutely feel in love with the Chesapeake bay retrievers. Just gorgeous didn't take any photos which was a shame. I also was very angry at the treatment of some dogs they looked so sad, and some of the rough handling is just not acceptable. On the other hand we saw owners with such love and devotion to their dogs it was wonderful. I think one highlight was a big black lab curled up on a picnic chair beside his owner waiting for their turn in the ring.
I can't pick a winner. In the gundog group my favourite was the Large Munsterlander, which didn't even make it to the final cut.
Are there any pictures or video clips of the Labrador best of breed competition? The picture of the lab Emily posted looks like a good shape in my opinion.
Wow, lovely dogs. I know nothing about conformation, but huge difference between the dogs I saw last week at the Spanish show I went to and your photos. I guess Crufts ain't one of the world's top shows for nothin'! I agree with @Emily, that choccy is to die for. Can I have one too?
