The world's premier dog show, Crufts 1999, which took place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, on the 11th to 14th of March, welcomed an international audience to the largest celebration of dogs on earth.

Innocence Abroad: Our First Crufts
By H. Cavanaugh

Spays and Neuters

An enormous difference at English shows is that an exhibitor may, by petitioning the Kennel Club, receive permission to show a spayed or neutered animal in the breed ring. This change in rules promotes spaying and neutering while allowing an animal to compete in breed judging. It also encourages dog showing as a sport rather than only an event to evaluate potential breeding stock. While this contrasts sharply with the original purpose of exhibiting animals, it seems reasonable given canine overpopulation. Incidentally, some 500 mixed breeds were shown by junior handlers, in obedience, and in agility events.

More from "Innocence Abroad" ...

Judging
The Exhibitors
Spays and Neuters
Facilities and Amenities
Discover Dogs
Additional Events
Spectators
Cell Phones
Gleaming Brass Horns
Photographers
Final Thoughts
History of Crufts