Winning Tuffies’ Trophy at Crufts

The best time for Tuffies at Crufts is the gun-dog-day at 4pm, when the trophy for the best working Hunt-Point-Retrieving bitch is handed out to a deserving winner. Tuffies is at Crufts for the entire duration and it is a wonderful and rewarding time meeting so many fans of our dog beds, many of them taking a dog bed home. But the best thing is to arrive at the BASC (British Association for Shooting and Conservation) stand and find out who won that show. The winner receives the Tuffies trophy for the year. This year it was won by a beautiful Wirehaired Vizsla this year.

The winner of the Tuffies trophy at Crufts 2018

As a keen pointer handler it is nice to see dogs that are being used for their purpose and also being shown. Dogs in the show ring may not always be bred for pure efficiency (not a debate I will enter at all), but dogs of working lines really do have to be bred for health. A good HPR has to have the best angulation in their limbs to cope with hard and prolonged running, a good, strong back for flexible movements and a large chest area to contain heart and lungs. This is to ensure that they can work effortlessly for as many happy years as possible. Obviously they have to have a good mind as well and the talent for pointing and cooperation and game knowledge, but the mind is not tested in the show ring obviously. The only thing a show dog does have to prove in terms of character and personality is how they get on with other dogs and how well they cope with the stress of a show ring and all the people there.

At CRUFTS we get the opportunity to observe how various breeds suit various kinds of dog beds. There is no doubt that the Whippets adore dog beds where they can crawl inside a cover, such as the Tuffies Tunnel Cover, which fits over a lovely bed and is easy to take off for washing.

Whippets LOVE the Tuffies Tunnel Covers.

More stubby kind of dogs like bull dogs seem to like a nest, but not too small because their round bodies don’t curl very well. They love the warmth and secure feeling in a nest, but they need to have space. In contrast, dogs like Vizlas and Dalmatians love the nests, but they want them to be very small, so they can really curl up inside them. They also love the nest sock if possible.

Doberman in nest with nest sock.

Every dog is different and each have their favourite dog bed.