MUSTWORK SUPPORTING BASC GAMEKEEPERS
Crufts dog show for most people brings about images of pristine show dogs and their immaculate handlers cavorting around on the lurid green carpeted floors of the breed show rings. But on Gundog day in one of the many halls you will find something different. You will find the BASC Gamekeeper rings, which are about a lot more than just show dogs. The Gamekeeper rings at Crufts, organised by The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), are all about working gundogs. Each dog is judged to its’ own breed standard but with major consideration given to conformation and overall fitness as a working gundog. It is a chance for members of the public to see the variety of gundogs that are worked in the UK today, and an opportunity for them to meet the people who work these dogs on a day to day bases. The classes are very different to the breed showing. All dogs entered in the Gamekeepers classes have to be working gundogs and must have worked during the 12 months preceding the event. In 2009 a working element was introduced, this proved to be great fun and added a bit of entertainment for the spectators too. As these dogs are working gundogs, most in the Gamekeepers classes are not familiar with the show ring. The judges, usually field trial panel with knowledge of breed conformation, are very patient and give all dogs & their handlers a fair chance.
As a family we supported these classes until 2010 after which the docking regulations prevented us from entering a team. In this time we have met many likeminded people and made some very good friends. It is a great family day out and has been well worth the effort to get there. You can find more information on the Gamekeepers classes and how to enter here.
On this page you will find pictures and albums of mustwork wires competing in the BASC Gamekeepers classes from 2005-2009
Mustwork 2005 Gamekeeper team
Franky Misty Tinker Taz
Mustwork 2008/2009 Gamekeeper Team
Blaze Franky Moose
ROXY 2nd Gamekeepers group finalists 2008
Roxy Roxy
2009 line up of Gamekeeper group finalists
Carol Ann Johnson
ROXY
Overall winner of The Northesk Memorial Trophy 2009