Meet the Northern Ireland team set for the biggest ever Crufts in 133-years

Over 80 Northern Ireland dogs and their owners are competing in this year’s Crufts, the most prestigious canine show of its kind in the world.

Set to be the biggest ever show in its 133-year history, the event at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre arena will welcome tens of thousands of people from throughout the world over each of the four days. 

Officially opened yesterday (Thursday), the dog show has over 27,000 entries competing in the agility and obedience competitions as well as the show dogs organised by breed. However only one can be named top dog on Sunday in the ‘Best in Show’ category which is being judged by Belfast lady Ann Ingram.

Eleven handlers and dogs are competing in this year’s Northern Ireland obedience dog team which will be welcomed on stage today (Friday) and consists of four border collies, two golden retrievers, a cockerpoo, shepherd cross, a Mudi, Lagotto and Maltese cross — all hoping for a rosette.

Chairman of the Kennel Club Obedience Liaison Council for the UK, Michael McCartney, from Lisburn, has also been the manager of the Northern Ireland team for the last 35 years and is delighted to be at the contest again this year. He also judges in the obedience and agility categories.

Michael (69) is joined by his wife Kate, also a obedience and agility judge and soon to be the first-ever female UK Crufts chief obedience steward.