A REFLECTION OF CRUFTS 2026 by Chris Thatcher
It is that time of year again and anyone in the world of show dogs knows that it is Crufts.
For people that have known me for any length of time will also know that it is my least favourite show of the year. Crufts for me is a trade show, where you can buy just about anything, even non dog related products but it is not really a show for dogs. Just trying to get around the halls at the NEC can be a feat of engineering as it is so busy with people.
This year was slightly different as the Bolognese had been awarded the accolade of CC’s or more commonly known as tickets. To a layman this probably does not mean very much but to us show folk who have been showing this lovely breed for many many years it is an achievement. The Bolognese have been awarded 3 sets of tickets per year. To achieve the accolade of a Champion a dog has to be awarded 3 sets of tickets before it can be crowned a champion.
Our judge this year was Liz Stannard, who gave the dog CC and BOB to Ir CH Donocielo Michelangelo ‘Meko’ who has been top winning Bolognese for the last few years, owned and bred by Dennis & Carol Mulligan.
Reserve Best Dog went to Devonia’s Anzio shown by Amy Lovell and owned in partnership by myself.
Bette Hopkins girl Lyckalotte Elegante Athena was the winner of the Good Citizen Bitch Class and her girl Enjanicka Toscana Ti Adoro was Best Veteran
Having a set of tickets awarded at Crufts meant that for the first time ever we were due to start showing at 09.00 which obviously meant we had to be there somewhat earlier. I and many others decided to stay closer to the NEC the night before. My journey started around 6.00 p.m. the evening before and having travelled around 35 minutes I realised that I had left my entry passes at home, so had to turn around and go back to pick up the passes. We arrived at our hotel quite late so not much time to relax. So, it was also a very early start the following morning. Having parked the car it is always quite a way to actually get into the NEC. Having had our passes checked etc., we made our way to the benching area and then prepared the dogs.
It was not that long before our breed was called and we all went into show mode. Sadly, our numbers were not as strong as in previous years, and we had only two overseas exhibitors — one from Italy and one from Denmark. Even so, it was lovely to catch up with fellow Club members: Mark and Diane Whateley, Bette Hopkins, Dennis & Carol Mulligan, Amy Lovell and Sian Lewis.
After the judging we had a small get together with nibbles, drinks and a cake. After all the socialising most of us went our separate ways, I am sure most people managed to do a vast amount of shopping, I went down to Hall 2 to meet up with my daughter and to catch up with friends from other breeds some of whom I only ever get to meet at Crufts.
The day went by quickly and by 5.00 it was time to go and find the car and wend our way home.
The weather this year was a blessing, in fact I cannot remember a Crufts where it was not only dry but not freezing cold, even the sun came out. So, that is it for another year. We in the show world can now look forward to the warmer weather and the outdoor shows.
