Clare Balding Returns to the Spotlight at Crufts
It feels like we haven’t seen enough of Clare Balding in recent times. There was an era when she was a regular fixture on our television screens, gracefully presenting a wide array of events—from the traditional Lord Mayor’s Show to the prestigious Wimbledon, and from the comforting narratives of Countryfile to the exciting world of rugby league. However, it seems that our beloved Clare has been somewhat sidelined in recent years. Nevertheless, she remains a cherished national treasure, and it is with great delight that we welcome her back to the sofa, looking well-groomed, affable, and as alert as ever, as she takes center stage for her annual role at the iconic Crufts dog show.
Since 2013, Balding has been the face of Crufts on Channel 4, and her influence rivals that of Charles Cruft himself, who founded the event in 1891. She has played a pivotal role in popularizing what is fundamentally a rather esoteric and archaic pursuit—the judging of dogs based primarily on their physical appearance.
As she returns to the bustling Birmingham NEC Arena this weekend, she is ready to share her space with a fascinating array of characters, both human and canine, as she unveils the intricacies of a competition that narrows down a staggering pool of approximately 28,000 dogs to crown a single, supreme champion as Best in Show on Sunday evening.
Balding truly embodies the fervor and passions of our nation’s dog lovers. Yet, even for those of us who share her enthusiasm for our furry companions, it’s apparent that Crufts feels like a throwback to a bygone era, reminiscent of contests like Miss World or Cutest Kid, which have also evolved in public perception over time.
On the eve of this year’s show, the Kennel Club, the organization behind Crufts, spoke about “diversity.” This raises the question of how they’re attempting to align with contemporary values. What does this diversity entail? It refers to the increasing entries of “dreadlocked” breeds this year. Notable among these are the Hungarian Puli and the Komondor, breeds whose unique, rope-like coats have seen a surge in popularity. Both breeds hail from Hungary and were originally bred for sheep herding. A spokesperson for the Kennel Club commented, “These ‘top risers’ truly reflect diversity, with many of the breeds originating from various corners of the globe and generally being less recognized.”
So, there you have it. Diversity in the dog world is represented by a Hungarian breed that resembles a mop on legs. Over the next few days in Birmingham, we can expect to see few adaptations to modern sensibilities: dogs continue to be judged based on traditional criteria such as conformation (shape and structure), temperament, and breed-specific traits.
If we were to enter Leonard, our cherished standard long-haired dachshund (one of the six recognized types of dachshunds in the hound group), we would need to ensure he meets the stringent specifications set by the Kennel Club. These requirements for his appearance include: “Moderately long in proportion to height, with no exaggeration. Compact, well-muscled body, with sufficient ground clearance, not less than one-quarter of the height at the withers, to allow free movement. Height at the withers should be half the length of the body, measured from breastbone to the rear of the thigh. Bold, defiant carriage of head and intelligent expression.”
And that’s just the beginning. Before they even start evaluating his head (which should appear conical), his eyes (which should be “set obliquely”), and his neck (which should “run in graceful lines into shoulders”), one might feel overwhelmed. Unless you happen to own a canine supermodel, you might as well not bother entering the competition.
Interestingly, a dog’s temperament is also a crucial factor in determining its suitability for winning a prize. But how can judges accurately assess what a particular dog is truly like outside the competitive arena? There’s only one way to find out. When it comes to the final judgment, owners should be able to answer a series of informal questions about their dogs (I’m thinking of Lenny here). Questions like: Does he snore? Does he chase his tail? What’s the most absurd thing he’s ever eaten? What’s his favorite TV show? Does he have a good sense of humor? Does he look at you with that adoring gaze reminiscent of how your partner once did? This could be a delightful twist to the Crufts experience.
Who wouldn’t want to hear these personal anecdotes from the owners? And who could be more adept at conducting these engaging interviews with knowledge, empathy, and understanding than none other than Clare Balding herself?
