EARLIER this month, the 2023 Crufts was held in Birmingham’s NEC arena where the UK’s top dogs were on display.

A number of people from Ceredigion qualified to show their dogs. Here we speak to a few of them.

Kris Kingsley from Llandysul was showing Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds at Crufts.

Tivyside Advertiser: Kris Kingsley with one of her Great Danes at Crufts.Kris Kingsley with one of her Great Danes at Crufts. (Image: Kris Kingsley)

On the Friday, Kris showed three Great Danes – Acorn, Penelope and Sirius. This year was Acorn’s sixth appearance, having previously come in first, second and fourth place.

Penelope appeared for the third time, having previously come in first and second place and it is Sirius’ first time as he was too young to qualify before.

On the Saturday, Kris showed Irish Wolfhound Cwtches. It is the second year for the dog, who was unplaced last year.

Kris has been showing dogs for 37 years, attending Crufts every single year it was held. Kris said: “It’s a hobby I can do with my dogs. I love it and they love it, it’s addictive!

Tivyside Advertiser: Kris Kingsley with Irish Wolfhound Cwtches.Kris Kingsley with Irish Wolfhound Cwtches. (Image: Kris Kingsley)

“I guess you always look at your own dogs and see their beauty and think they are good enough to be champions… of course, most of them aren’t, except in their owners’ eyes, but that doesn’t stop us all trying to get our dog to champion and maybe breed a litter and try to improve each time.

“It’s a very social hobby. People from all walks of life take part – the only thing in common is their love of dogs. It can be an expensive hobby, and I travel all round Europe with my dogs showing.”

Kris returned home with two fourth places in the Great Danes category and a third in the Irish Wolfhound category.

Siân Broderick from Llandysul took Rhodesian Ridgeback Bodhi to Crufts for the first time this year.

Siân said: “As a puppy, he was petrified of men. I don’t think he had the best start in life.

Tivyside Advertiser: Sian Broderick with Rhodesian Ridgeback Bodhi.Sian Broderick with Rhodesian Ridgeback Bodhi. (Image: Sian Broderick)

“I started showing just to get him used to people handling him, so he’d be a well socialised dog.

“It’s a great accomplishment to have qualified.”

Bodhi didn’t place but Siân said that they had a great time.

Did you attend Crufts and want to let us know how you did? Email elizabeth.birt@newsquest.co.uk and let us know.