Scruffts, the competition that gives crossbreed dogs the opportunity to compete in the main arena at Crufts, is looking for Suffolk’s top dogs as it comes to the All About Dogs event at Trinity Park in Ipswich on Saturday.

Dogs and owners competing at the heat are hoping to make it through to the semi-finals, held at Discover Dogs at London’s Earls Court in November, and from there six lucky crossbreed dogs will qualify for Crufts 2015. 

Ipswich has had a reputation in the past for premier crossbreeds, after Barley, a Pyrenean Mountain Dog/Golden Retriever cross from the town, and his young owner, Annabel Shemming, made it all the way to the first ever Scruffts final to be held at Crufts in 2013. Now all crossbreeds and mixed breed dogs in the area have the chance to follow in their footsteps as they are invited to take part in the Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year competition, sponsored by James Wellbeloved, where all shapes, sizes and ages of dog are welcome.

Each dog entered in the competition will have a few minutes to dazzle the judges in one or more of the six competition categories: Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog, Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch, Child’s Best Friend, Golden Oldie Crossbreed, Best Crossbreed Rescue and the Good Citizen Dog Scheme class.  For entry criteria for each class, visit www.scruffts.org.uk. 

Caroline Kisko, Secretary of the Kennel Club, which organises the competition, said: “Scruffts celebrates the love, companionship and often heroic stories of our nation’s crossbreed dogs, and raises money for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which makes a difference for dogs by funding a wide variety of work ranging from supporting research into canine diseases to welfare initiatives.

“The fun competition is perfect for the whole family to enjoy and is a great way of socialising dogs and getting to meet other dog lovers in your area.  We are very much looking forward to seeing Suffolk’s wonderful crossbreeds in action.”

The All About Dogs show is held on Good Friday and Saturday, and features everything from spectacular dog display teams to entertaining fun and games.

Registration for the competition starts from 10am and the competition begins at 1pm.  Entering a dog into Scruffts costs just £2 per class and all entry money will be split between the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and the All About Dog’s chosen charity.  There is no need to enter in advance, just simply turn up on the day.

Your Dog magazine is the media sponsor of the competition for the third year running, meaning that the winners of each heat will not only receive delicious James Wellbeloved goodies, but a copy of the latest Your Dog magazine too.

For more information on the Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year competition, please visit www.scruffts.org.uk. For further information about All About Dogs at Trinity Park, Suffolk, visit www.allaboutdogsshow.co.uk.

Pictured: Scruffts 2014 Winner – Sarah Singleton and Wylie.