Gus flying the flag for rare breeds with Crufts victory

It proved to be a day to remember for one St Leonards woman after her 10-month-old Sloughi Gus put his best paw forward to claim a prestigious prize at Crufts 2017.
Lisa Smith from St Leonards with Gus a Sloughi. Photo courtesy of onEditionLisa Smith from St Leonards with Gus a Sloughi. Photo courtesy of onEdition
Lisa Smith from St Leonards with Gus a Sloughi. Photo courtesy of onEdition

One of 22,000 happy, healthy dogs at Birmingham’s NEC for the world’s largest dog show, Gus made sure to take a starring role alongside owner Lisa Smith, walking away with the Best of Breed award.

Presented by the Kennel Club, this year’s Crufts marked the 126th edition of the show, which attracts dogs and owners from all over the world as well as thousands of visitors over the four days.

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And after enjoying their own moment in the spotlight, Lisa, an IT programme director, could not be more delighted with Gus’ performance in the West Midlands, and added she was delighted her four-legged friend was drawing more attention to the rare breeds.

“I feel excited because it’s a very nice feeling and there’s not a lot else to describe this,” she said. “Gus is a very lovable dog and as a Sloughi it’s special for him to do well as a rare breed.

“What I hope from today is that Gus can fly the flag for rare breeds, he’s a lovely dog.”

Crufts is named after its founder Charles Cruft. Charles left college in 1876 with no desire to join the family jewellery business. Instead he took employment with James Spratt who had set up a new venture in London selling ‘dog cakes’.

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In 1886 he took up the management of the Allied Terrier Club Show at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster. It was in 1891 that the first Crufts show was booked into the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington. Visit www.crufts.org.uk.

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