Good luck everyone for Crufts on Friday 12^th March 2010.

Here's our pin up Elsie Grey who made it to the final for the Face of DFS Crufts competition. Thank you Kerry for the excellent photo.

To get you in the mood for Crufts have a look at Miia Seilonen's deerhound photographs from Crufts 2009 where practically every dog has been photographed. Click her for Dogs, Bitches and winners.

Further information on the official crufts site here.

Update: A few stands to look for at this years show (I'm happy to add any further exhibitors, but I'm afraid I've left it rather late).

• Hall 1 stand 100 - Darlings Real Dog Food Take the deerhound along for feeding advice
• Hall 1 stand 138 - Toon and Linda van Drunen Hand made collars, leads
• Hall 5 stand 10 (We Think) - Sue Driver Fine Arts
• Don't forget discover dogs in Hall 3 and of course, the deerhound showing in hall 5
  

Lure coursing and long jump

Are you ready to run (again)! We’ve had two great ‘Fun Days’ now at Wash Common, near Newbury (BSFA field). It is a great chance to trial your dogs, especially if they have never tried lure coursing. We also set up a long jump, which is great fun for the dogs and spectators! The emphasis will be on ‘Fun’, meeting other deerhound owners, and teaching your dog to chase the lure.

Please arrive at 10 am to book your dogs in, so that racing can start at 11. There will be a charge of £1 per run, which will go towards BSFA funds. Rosettes will be awarded, and thanks to Jean and David Gilhooly a trophy will be awarded for the winning dog to keep for the year.

Deerhound Fun Day 2009 - Picture courtesy of Tracy Manning, Blue Hound Art

We will be holding a raffle, with money going to Greyhound Rescue (if you have anything to donate, please let me know, or bring it along!)

If you’re not on the show circuit it would be great to meet you and your dogs! Even if your dogs are too old to race, join us for a social day out. Bring and share a picnic with other Deerhound owners (and their dogs!). Some refreshments will be available.

Depending on time, your other sight-hounds should also be able to have a run. Stay over for Sunday 16th as that will be the regular BSFA meeting, which you are also welcome to join, but prior registration of your dogs would be required.

If you would like to make a weekend of it, there is camping/caravanning available at Oakley Farm Caravan Park also, in the past people have stayed at the ‘Hare and Hounds’ at Speen, where you are sure to enjoy their hospitality!

I hope to see you there. There’s no need to book for the Saturday, but please email or call if you know you are coming to help give us an idea of numbers!