Latest news with #dogshow
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
3-Year-Old Set to Become One of the Youngest Dog Handlers to Ever Compete at the World's Largest Dog Show
Caitlyn Mellor and her Miniature Schnauzer, Zeeva, qualified for the 2026 Crufts dog show this summerNEED TO KNOW A 3-year-old girl is set to become one of the youngest competitors the Crufts dog show has ever seen Caitlyn Mellor and her Miniature Schnauzer Zeeva qualified for the prestigious competition after a ranking performance at the Three Counties Championship Caitlyn went to her first dog show at just 8 weeks old, and her first word was "doggy"A toddler and her dog are making dog show history. Caitlyn Mellor, 3, and her Miniature Schnauzer Zeeva, 8, recently qualified for the 2026 Crufts dog show — considered to be the world's largest dog show — after giving a ranking performance at the Three Counties Championship in June, per The Times. If she competes at Crufts, scheduled for March 2026, Caitlyn will become one of the youngest competitors in the event's history. Though she's only 3, Caitlyn has spent her whole life surrounded by dogs and dog shows. Her first word was "doggy," her mother, Lydia Mellor, told The Times. Showing dogs runs in the family; Lydia began showing dogs herself at the age of 10. Caitlyn still managed to be an early bloomer among her animal-loving family, attending her first dog show just 8 weeks after she was born. By age 2, she was saying she wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps. "She decided she didn't want Mummy in the ring with her and has been competing by herself with people 20 or 30 years older," Lydia said of her daughter's fire solo showing efforts at age 3. The toddler and her Miniature Schnauzer, who compete for the Lyzahro kennel, train for the dog shows — or "doggy clap," as Caitlyn calls them, referencing the frequent applause she gets at dog events — in a grassy area near their home in Groesffordd, Wales. "I like running around with her," Caitlyn told BBC about her work with Zeeva. Zeeva is one of four Miniature Schnauzers that belong to the Mellor family. She usually sleeps in Caitlyn's bed and attends a dog show with the toddler once a month. Although the competitions are becoming bigger and more important, Lydia insists on keeping Caitlyn and Zeeva's training schedule light, so it remains enjoyable for everyone. At shows, Caitlyn is confident, her mother said and is met with kindness and support from adult handlers. The older competitors "keep an eye on her" and guide Caitlyn around if she gets lost, her mother added. is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! "Caitlyn is so excited and doesn't have any nerves. It's something she enjoys," Lydia said. "So many adults get wound up at shows worrying about being best in breed. She's happy coming second or third, she's just having fun with her dog." Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
BBC News
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Powys Crufts qualifier to become one of youngest ever, aged three
A three-year-old girl is celebrating after qualifying with her Miniature Schnauzer for next year's Crufts dog who said she loved "winning" and "getting rosettes" with her eight year-old dog Zeeva, will be one of the show's youngest ever pair from Groesffordd near Brecon, Powys, qualified after being placed in the Three Counties Championship Show last mum Lydia Mellor said she was "so proud", adding: "It's amazing." "She is so confident generally and she works so well with the dogs. She loves the dogs," Lydia 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 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 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."
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Charity dog event returning to Kendal for a second year
A charity dog event is returning to Kendal for a second year. The Woof and Wag event, organised by CancerCare, will take place at Abbot Hall Park on Saturday, August 30, offering a day of dog-friendly fun. Running from 11am to 4pm, the event will feature games, stalls, entertainment and a dog show. Lisa Oliver-Hannis, CancerCare's south lakes community fundraiser, said: "We are so excited to return to Kendal with Woof & Wag. "We had the most incredible day 12 months ago and the event promises to be bigger and better this year. "With stalls, games and a dog show judged by some local legends, there is something for all the family, especially the four-legged members." The highlight of the day will be the dog show at 2pm, featuring categories such as best trick, waggiest tail and best in show. Special guest judges will be announced on the day. The event is free to attend, with a £2 entry fee per dog per show class. Entries can be booked at Woof and Wag is sponsored by Kendal-based Taylor Made Dog Centre, an award-winning doggy daycare provider. Last year's event was described as a "roaring success" by CancerCare, which supports people affected by cancer, life-shortening illnesses and bereavement. The café and facilities at the neighbouring Abbot Hall art gallery will be open to the public throughout the day. The event is open to all dogs and their owners.
CTV News
08-07-2025
- General
- CTV News
PETA sues American Kennel Club over standards for French bulldogs, other breeds
French bulldogs compete in breed group judging during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, May 13, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson) NEW YORK — The animal rights group PETA sued Tuesday to try to force the American Kennel Club to abandon the standards it backs for hyper-popular French bulldogs and some other breeds, contending that the influential club is promoting unhealthy physical features. The lawsuit turns up the heat around one of the biggest flashpoints in dogdom: the attributes that have been honed to define some breeds, including the Frenchie, which the AKC ranks as the United States' most popular breed. 'The AKC's official breed standards for the bulldog, French bulldog, pug, dachshund and Chinese shar-pei provide blueprints for the breeding of deformed, unhealthy dogs,' PETA says in the suit. The AKC said it's committed to protecting 'the health, heritage and well-being of purebred dogs' and that responsibly bred dogs that conform to the standards are healthy. 'We categorically reject PETA's mischaracterizations of specific breed standards and their assertion that these standards create unhealthy dogs,' the club said in a statement, adding that dog health and welfare is 'paramount and at the core of our mission.' Founded in 1884, the New York-based AKC is a nonprofit that acts like a league for many canine competitions and runs the United States' oldest dog registry, where owners may choose to document their dogs' existence and accomplishments. Mixed-breed dogs and rescues can be registered as 'canine partners' and compete in some sports, but the club's history is closely tied to fanciers who cultivate and show purebreds. Each breed has its own club that sets the 'standard,' or ideal characteristics, for the dogs. The AKC reviews, approves and promulgates them. PETA, also called People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, describes itself as an animal liberation organization. Its advocacy includes boycotts and litigation. Its supporters are known for staging sometimes disruptive protests in settings including a papal audience, a Starbucks and sporting events such as the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. The Norfolk, Virginia-based nonprofit opposes dog breeding in general and has clashed for years with the AKC. Peppered with photos and diagrams, PETA's new lawsuit runs through health problems that can beset short-legged, long-backed dachshunds ('the animal equivalent of a poorly designed bridge,' in PETA's view) and shar-peis, which can have spates of fever and inflammation known as 'shar-pei autoinflammatory disease.' The complaint points to pugs' risk of injuries to their marbly eyes and susceptibility to breathing problems and overheating because of their flat faces. The suit zeros in on those and other parts of bulldogs and Frenchies, including the big heads that often prompt caesarian births. The various problems that PETA cites don't afflict all dogs of these breeds, and some do agility, dock diving and other sports. But the conditions can be serious for those that have them. In the U.K. — where research involving about 24,600 dogs suggested that Frenchies have 'very different, and largely much poorer' health than do other canines — the British Veterinary Association campaigns against advertisements that feature flat-faced breeds. The Netherlands has prohibited breeding very short-snouted dogs. Norway's Supreme Court, however, declined to block the breeding of English bulldogs — but upheld a lower court's prohibition on breeding cavalier King Charles spaniels, citing a different set of health concerns. The AKC says the breed standards it approves reflect 'decades of collaboration with veterinary experts and breeders.' Some breed clubs donate to and participate in dog health research, and the AKC says it has given over US$40 million since 1995 to its canine health research charity. Jennifer Peltz, The Associated Press
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Teddy bear's picnic and dog show coming to Nynehead Court in July
As summer is well and truly underway, Nynehead Court prepares to host several events, including a teddy bear's picnic and dog show, encouraging both residents of the care home and the local community to come together, writes Thomas Faithfull. On Wednesday, July 9, both the young and young at heart are invited to a teddy bear's picnic on the grounds. Running from 2pm to 4pm, visitors are encouraged to bring along blankets, a picnic, and their beloved teddy bear to enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere. Residents of the care home will also be invited to take part, allowing all ages to enjoy this much-loved summer tradition. The event will be assisted by Growing Minds, an initiative aiming to bring enriching experiences to younger groups. Their intergenerational approach aims to bring families and communities closer together – something the community spirit of the picnic will hope to inspire. "For many of our residents, the picnic stirs fond childhood memories. "For younger guests, it offers an easy, cheerful introduction to the world of Nynehead Court. "From sandwiches on the lawn to shared laughter beneath the trees, the picnic is a simple celebration of what makes community life so special." The event has free entry for all attending, allowing everyone to enjoy the 14-acre estate in all its beauty. In the same week, Nynehead Court will also play host to its annual dog show. Running on Sunday, July 13, from 2pm-4:30pm, the lighthearted event will see dogs compete in categories such as 'Best in Show,' 'Waggiest Tail,' and 'Best Trick.' Owners can register their dogs from 1pm at £2 per entry, or three for £5, before judging commences at 2pm. Please note payment is cash only. There will also be fun for the less dog-inclined with refreshments, a raffle/tombola and a selection of stalls available. In addition, activities for children, including face painting and children's tattoos, make the Sunday outing fun for all the family. The day promises to be a great display of both Nynehead Court and community spirit, with all proceeds from the dog show helping to support future events and activities at the care home.
