Firstly the one piece of news that missed the TV coverage was the story of the French visitor to the show who was awarded best of breed in Norfolk Mountain Dogs. Apparently he had strayed into the ring where the breed was being judged and was mistaken as an exhibit by the judge. With good reason as I understand he showed classic hallmarks of the breed - a long flowing coat (in this case a raincoat) an arrogant and obnoxious demeanour with a very strong garlic like smell, striding out with gay abandon. I was informed later that it was the judge’s first appointment at Crufts, her second obviously being on the Dolland & Aitchison stand where this year they were offering free eye testing for judges.

As for some of the more exotic breeds, the Sudanese Arm Eaters were there again and in greater numbers. With a name like that you would think they might be dangerous - well you’d be right, they are. Talking about dangerous dogs, I think the government should reconsider and perhaps look at addressing the problem in a slightly different way by introducing a Dangerous Owners Act. How does that song go " Call me irresponsible, call me ...". Ok to all you owners, handlers and breeders who left dogs alone on benching for long periods - YOU ARE IRRESPONSIBLE !

On a lighter note, a friend’s niece wanted to know what happened to Judges if they were left unattended in cars - "well they go back into a coma of course" I quipped. She had become confused with some of the public announcements which also explained why she was so concerned about the many native slaves from the colonies who were getting upset at the show. She couldn’t believe that all of the calls were for owners who had left their dogs alone and it was dogs who were distressed.

Then there was the dress code. I guess if you go to the world’s most prestigious dog show with a top specimen from one of the many pedigree breeds being exhibited, then old jeans and even older trainers don’t look too bad on thirty, forty, fifty and even sixty somethings. Come on people, try a bit harder and make an effort this isn’t a car boot sale. Although many more market traders selling magic mops and it could well look like one.

Oh, I almost forgot there were lots and lots of beautiful dogs at the show who weren’t allowed to leave until they had been completely worn out, laying around (if they had room) waiting to leave.

As for the final result I’m sure it was well deserved - but personally I’ve had it with repeats on TV and in case you were wondering - yes, I had a bad day.