The world’s largest international dog show started yesterday in the UK at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.
Each year, a range of breeds from Guernsey and Jersey put their best paw forward in the arena and this year, the islands have a pooch for each of the seven entry groups.
Guernsey Kennel Club president Paige Le Moignan, who has been to the prestigious event some 13 years running, is looking forward to returning with her four-year-old Tibetan Terrier, Mika, who has won eight Best In Shows between the islands and was Channel Island Dog of the Year 2024. The canine star has also recently had a litter of eight puppies.
‘She’s a busy girl,’ said Ms Le Moignan.
‘We’re very lucky that she’s such a show-off. She barely lost any coat through the pups, which is incredible because they just grab onto her left right and centre. It’s her third time going.
‘She was the 2024 Channel Island Dog of the Year so she has a lifelong qualification for Crufts, and she’s a bit of a showgirl – which is great in the ring.
‘The night before we go, she’ll have a full bath and blow dry. Then on the day, we do her feet and legs again. She’ll be travelling with us in the cabin on the ferry both ways, and when she gets there she gets trollied around like a princess. She absolutely loves it, her tail is always wagging, she’s never stressed or worried, she’s always straight on in there. We would never make them do it if they didn’t enjoy it.’
About 23,000 dogs from around the world are signed-up to this year’s Crufts.
‘It is a bit nerve-wracking,’ said Ms Le Moignan.
‘But it’s so much fun. We’ve made a really lovely group of friends through our breeders, it’s a really good community.’
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