A Stirlingshire dog trainer insists it’s not all about winning as she prepares to compete at Crufts with her beloved English Springer Spaniel.
Elaine Stevenson, from Grangemouth, will be at this year’s event after her Liam qualified for the post-graduate class.
Liam, who is two, has been trained since he was six months old, and Stevenson is thrilled he will be at the NEC Birmingham showpiece.
“It means the world that he has qualified,” she said. “He loves showing because he is just a bit of showman. He is full of life and a super-natured dog.
“Obviously, we are going to win, but it is not a big drama if we do not. The judge, I believe, should like Liam but the main thing is about going there and meeting like-minded people. It is good to see different breeders and different cultures.
“Liam’s breeder is going to be there so it will be good to catch up. I have also got friends coming over from Europe. They previously trained dogs in the UK before moving to Spain and I have not seen them for a while, so it is a good social meeting as well.”
The pair have been practicing for Crufts through a series of other shows, including open shows, and Stevenson is happy the way Liam has taken to showing.
“I am very proud of him,” she added. “It can be difficult to qualify and last year he was just over a year old, and he took it [training] in his stride. There will be thousands of dogs and people there and numerous smells.
“[Previously], he was in crate on his bench and took it all in his stride. He went in the ring and his first time on the green carpet, and he was an absolute sweetheart.”
Alongside Liam, Stevenson owns other English Springer Spaniels, and she is especially proud of three-year-old Rogan, who recently saved the life of another dog whilst out on a walk.
Rogan alerted her to a small white dog who was fully submerged in a river and through his good work, the dog was rescued by its owner. Stevenson continued: “I was so proud of Rogan for what he did. I just remember the little dog’s owner saying, ‘your dog saved my dog’s life’ and that has stuck with me.”
Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and of the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners. Crufts is held from 6-9 March 2025 at the NEC Birmingham. Viewers can follow all the action and highlights on Channel 4 and More4, and for further information and tickets visit crufts.org.uk
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