Powys Crufts qualifier to become one of youngest ever, aged three
"She is so confident generally and she works so well with the dogs. She loves the dogs," Lydia added.Caitlyn went to her first dog show at eight weeks old and by the age of two wanted to go into the ring with her mum, who has been showing dogs since she was 10.Zeeva is one of four white Miniature Schnauzers the family own and show and sleeps on the three-year-old's bed - an arrangement both seem to enjoy although Caitlyn says Zeeva does snore sometimes.
By three, Caitlyn was happy to show Zeeva in the ring alone which has culminated in them now qualifying for next year's Crufts - the biggest dog show of its kind in the world, according to the organisers."I like running around with her," said Caitlyn as she practiced leading Zeeva in a triangle shape on the grass near her house."She is already an incredibly good sport," said Lydia. "She will shake hands with the judges, she shakes hands with the winners, she always congratulates everyone."I am massively proud of the sportsmanship she is showing at this age."
Lydia hopes Caitlyn's success will inspire other youngsters to get involved."It's going to keep our sport alive," she said. "We knew it's often seen as a dog beauty pageant - but that's not the way the show world works. They are our pets, they are spoilt rotten, they want for nothing - we have a great day out."
Next year's Crufts will take place in March in Birmingham.Chief canine officer at The Kennel Club Helen Kerfoot said: "We are delighted to see a young competitor doing so well, having qualified for Crufts already – the result of a lot of hard work and dedication."Taking part in Crufts is a real achievement but it's also something that's accessible to all."
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