- What: The greatest dog show on earth. More than 20,000 dogs compete to be coveted Best in Show
- When: Four days in March (March 5-8 2009)
- Where: National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham
- Admission: Various prices, Senior, Student and Family Discounts. Tickets available online
- Visit their website
In 2008, at least 23,000 dogs, including more than 1,000 from overseas, were set to compete in what many people believe is the greatest - and probably the biggest - annual dog show on earth.
The competition, organised by the Kennel Club, is divided into various categories over the four days of the event. Dogs compete in their own classes:
- Day 1 Toy and Utility breeds
- Day 2 Gun dogs
- Day 3 Working and Pastoral dogs
- Day 4 Terriers and Hounds
Dogs are tested for agility and obedience and are put through all kinds of obstacle courses and performance situations. It's all televised in prime time, here in the UK, and Wallace the Westie, my traveling companion, goes wild watching it.
At the end, the dog named Best in Show is selected from the champions of each class.
