THE island’s finest canines are competing in the most famous of all dog shows. Crufts starts today and more than 20 members of the Guernsey Kennel Club will be at the NEC in Birmingham for the four-day event.

A total of 22,000 dogs will be judged and Guernsey will be represented in all seven groups.

Local exhibitors qualified at Channel Island or UK shows throughout 2006 and many have shown at Crufts before.

‘We have a number of people who go every year, which is marvellous for such a small island,’ said club president Chris Bligh.

‘The standard is obviously very high and our dogs compare well. We have had people who have placed well in their respective classes in previous years.’

Mrs Bligh said it was very good recognition for the club to have so many exhibitors.

‘Judges that come over from the UK for our shows are always very impressed with the standard of local exhibitors. Our club hopes that the exhibitors will do well and also get the pleasure of exhibiting their dogs in the most prestigious show of all.

‘Everybody goes with the same chance of placing and that is part of the fun. We look at dog showing as being competitive but also fun.

‘Lifelong friendships have been formed with many exhibitors at UK shows and that is part of the enjoyment.’

Meanwhile, there are new regulations regarding the docking (tail shortening) that will mean breeds appearing docked today will in future be seen in the show ring with tails.

‘It’s a very emotive subject. As far as the club is concerned, there is a standard for each breed of dog – many include docked tails. Docking now is for working dogs.

‘I have mixed feelings as it will be strange seeing previously docked breeds with a tail.

‘Owning a docked breed and a breed with a tail, there is no difference in their quality of life so far as being happy is concerned.’