16 Apr Calling all East of England crossbreeds to compete for the chance to qualify for Crufts 2024
Scruffts, the competition that gives crossbreed dogs the opportunity to compete in the main arena at Crufts, is kicking off the search to find the nation’s top dog.
The Kennel Club invites all crossbreeds and mixed breed dogs to take part in the Scruffts competition, exclusively supported by pet food makers James Wellbeloved, where all shapes, sizes and ages of dog are welcome (as long as they are over six months).
The third of six heats will take place at Hylands Park, as part of the All About Dogs Show on Sunday 30 April, with registration starting from 11am, and judging from 12.30pm. Entering a dog into Scruffts costs £2 per class, not including entry to the overall show. There is no need to enter in advance, just simply turn up on the day.
Each dog entered in the competition will have a few minutes to wow the judges in one or more of the four competition categories: Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog, Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch, Golden Oldie Crossbreed and the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme class. Entry criteria for each class is available at crufts.org.uk/scruffts.
When choosing the winner and runners-up for each class, the judge ensures that the dog has the following qualities:
Good character
Good health
Good personality
Good temperament with people and other dogs
The All About Dogs show is held on Sunday 30 April and Monday 1 May and will feature everything from spectacular dog display teams to entertaining fun and games.
The 2023 final at Crufts last month saw Delila, a Spaniel mix, and owner Francesca Cairns from Kent crowned winners, earning Delila the title of Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year. Delila is an assistance dog for Francesca, who has autism and a heart condition, and is medically scent-trained to alert Francesca when her heart rate peaks, or she has high anxiety. Delila also carries out day-to-day tasks, including taking clothes out of the washing machine and operating small drawers.
Sonja Hartomo, European Brand Manager for James Wellbeloved, said: “Scruffts is a fantastic family competition that is a real celebration of the nation’s family crossbreed dogs and the bond they share with their owners. We are looking forward to meeting this year’s competitors and hearing their stories.
“James Wellbeloved are very proud to exclusively support Scruffts and we can’t wait to see what the crossbreed dogs of Essex have to offer.”
The four heat winners will receive delicious goodies from James Wellbeloved, the sponsor of Scruffts and ultimately, the four category finalists at next year’s Scruffts grand final will each win a year’s supply of James Wellbeloved food for their dog.
For more information on the Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year competition, including upcoming heats, visit crufts.org.uk/scruffts.
