©The Guardian

Crufts 2009 was held as usual over four days at the vast NEC, Birmingham. However, some changes had been made to the event. Amid controversy resulting from the highly contentious television programme, ‘Pedigree Dogs - Exposed’, this year’s show was sadly not televised by the BBC.

However, a handsome Basset Hound waiting in the benches did grace the front page of The Guardian.

©The Sunday Times

The breed was also featured in several other newspaper articles, most of which focused on perceived health problems. The media’s preference for using our photogenic breed made me realise that they would rather miss it if the self-styled animal rights/anti-dog lobby ever have their way.

Despite this depressing media coverage, 28,000 dogs were entered and over 160,000 visitors supported the event.

Reportedly, anti-pedigree dog protesters were staging a demonstration outside the venue. But, as we had arrived at 7.15am - after a 4.00am start from home - we witnessed none of this. They were probably still in bed.

This did not spoil the enjoyment for those of us who had travelled up to Midlands with our hounds. The competition was very stiff with 140 Basset Hound entries. The S.E. Branch BHC was very well represented. Indeed, most of us seemed to have entered the same large class - Post Graduate Dog! Barnaby, Cassius, George and Nico all went head to head with each other and some of the top breeders’ hounds. Looking from the ringside, everyone acquitted themselves admirably well. As did Blossom, Mabel and Ruby competing in the bitch classes (see results on page 30).

The hounds were presented in super condition and handled with some flair. It must have been a difficult decision for the very thorough judge, Mr Roy Metcalfe. He was obviously keen on movement and being fit for function, and made the hounds move around the ring several times.

©The Telegraph

We were aware that Mr. Metcalfe was a replacement for Michael Errey who, sadly, could not fulfil this prestigious judging appointment for health reasons. I know that many of us felt very sorry he was not in the ring. Even so, Michael still managed to attend and show his presence around the ringside as BHC Chairman. This was much appreciated by members.

So, well done everyone! It was, as always, a long and very tiring day for the hounds and their handlers (and their chauffeurs) but it still remains an unmissable fixture on the show calendar and dog lovers, generally.

WM: Although not on the BBC, Crufts was broadcast via the internet and so had a worldwide audience