Crufts: 2008

There’s nothing like Crufts to brighten up a dreary March evening. 23,000 dogs come to Birmingham’s NEC, but only one will be crowned top dog. It’s hard to pick a favourite because there are all shapes and sizes. Last night’s show focussed on the Utility and Toy Groups so there was a great showing from the classic, the cute and the downright freaky with Dalmatians, Chow Chows, Schnauzers (large and small), Pugs, a dizzying array of Poodles and those crazy shaved rat-type ones that I’ve forgotten the name of. As always, the owners are as entertaining as the dogs, particularly if you’ve seen Best in Show.  Anyone who still sniggers at the words “bitch” and “Shih Tzu” won’t last long in this deeply serious business but from the comfort of the sofa this is a highly entertaining display of doggy style. There’s coverage on BBC2 every night until it ends on Sunday.