Ruger outfoxes the competition at Crufts
Flat-coated retriever Ruger, owned by Helen Fox and handled by daughter Megan, was crowned overall winner of BASC’s Gamekeepers’ classes at Crufts 2022.
14th March 2022
BASC at Crufts
BASC is responsible for the annual organisation and running of the historic Gamekeepers Ring at Crufts. Immensely popular with the public and exhibitors alike, entries are now open for our classes at Crufts which runs from 10-13 March 2022.
What you need to know
The Gamekeepers classes are about working gundogs.
Every dog is judged to the breed standard, but major consideration is given to their appearance, looks and conformation as a working gundog. These requirements make the classes totally unique.
The Gamekeepers Ring is a historically important ring at Crufts. In the early days it was also one of the busiest, recognised by gamekeepers across the country as a signal to the ending of another shooting season and a focal point in the calendar.
The Gamekeepers’ Association used to hold their annual general meeting at the show. Before the days of youth training schemes this was the place where budding gamekeepers would be interviewed, where jobs changed hands and new beat keepers were engaged. Time moves on, but the passion for gundogs remains.
Entries for Crufts 2022 are now closed.
What to expect on the day
How the rings are organised
The important thing to remember is that the Gamekeepers Ring is not a breed class.
Key to following the day in the Gamekeepers Ring you will need a catalogue which gives a schedule of entries in the Gamekeepers Classes.
The class is judged completely impartially, with the judge not knowing the name of the dog or its owner.
Trophy presentations will take place at the end of the day’s judging.
The winners from each gamekeeper class will be judged again in the main ring to find the winner of the Best in Gamekeeper Classes. The overall winner will be presented with the prestigious Northesk Memorial Trophy.
Read More »
Crufts returns
This week sees the long-awaited return of Crufts, and all eyes will be on the BASC rings on Sunday 13 March for Gundog Day.
9th March 2022
Twister whips up a storm at Crufts
“Great to see” once again how popular BASC’s gamekeepers’ classes were at the biggest dog show on earth.
9th March 2020
FAQs
For specific advice on game shooting matters please contact us on: 01244 573019 or click here to email us
Crufts
Yes. However, it is important to know the times of each of the classes to which you have entered and be aware of any potential clashes.
If your dog was docked either in the UK or in a foreign country before 6 April 2007 then it may enter Crufts. If your dog was docked either in the UK or in a foreign country on or after 6 April 2007 it will not, under the law, be permitted to be shown at Crufts (where public are admitted on a payment of a fee).
No, dogs entered in Gamekeeper classes only do not have to qualify for entry into a breed class.
