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Blood donor dog from Eaton Bray nominated for Crufts hero award

Blood donor dog from Eaton Bray nominated for Crufts hero award

BBC News18-02-2025
A dog that donated blood and saved 168 other canines is in the running for a heroic dog award.Eight-year-old Gordon Setter Sharwood, from Eaton Brey in Bedfordshire, broke records after giving more than 40 donations to the Pet Blood Bank for critically ill or injured pets in need.He is among five finalists nominated for a Hero Dog Award from The Kennel Club, which runs Crufts.His owner, Sue Mitchell, said: "I'm absolutely delighted that Sharwood is the record holder for the number of donations given to Pet Blood Bank."
The five nominee dogs were selected by judges from The Kennel Club.A winner will be chosen by a public vote and announced on 9 March, the final day of Crufts.Ms Mitchell described her dog as a "very laid-back dog" who "loves his exercise, loves his food, and just loves life generally".Sharwood has been donating blood since he was 13 months old.His owner said: "I thought it was really important because you never know when your dog may possibly have to have a transfusion, and if you have suitable dogs that can do this donating then it's well worth it."
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Rare Hungarian dog becomes latest British pedigree
Rare Hungarian dog becomes latest British pedigree

Telegraph

time12-06-2025

  • Telegraph

Rare Hungarian dog becomes latest British pedigree

It has ancient origins and a rich history that dates back several centuries. But now the Hungarian Mudi has been handed an official seal of approval in the UK after The Kennel Club announced plans to recognise the breed. From next month the Mudi will become the 225th pedigree to be recognised in Britain, following the Icelandic Sheepdog which was added to the list in April. Known traditionally as a herding dog, the breed is noted for its curly coat, erect ears and exceptional intelligence. Its loyal and affectionate nature also makes it a great companion for owners. The breed will join The Kennel Club's register on July 1 before eventually moving onto the main breed register - paving the way for it to compete for the best in show title at the world-renowned dog show Crufts. Charlotte McNamara, spokeswoman for The Kennel Club, said: 'We're pleased to officially recognise this versatile Hungarian herding dog as a pedigree breed in the UK. 'Becoming a recognised pedigree breed with The Kennel Club takes time and several generations of dogs, but once a breed is officially recognised, it means we can be confident in its lineage and that it offers predictable traits - like temperament, health, exercise and grooming needs - which helps match dogs with the right home and owner.' The Mudi's origins can be traced back to ancient times - though it was not formally identified until 1936. It tends to be medium in size and has a similar stature to the Border Collie. They usually have a wavy coat that is medium in length and ranges from black and white to merle patterns. It is also not unusual for Mudi puppies to be born without a tail as the length for the breed varies, leaving some with bobtails whilst others have full length ones. 'Still primitive' Dorit Powell, from the Hungarian Mudi Club in the UK, said: 'The Mudi is razor-sharp, thinks independently, and is an affectionate, fiercely loyal family member. 'They are suitable for most types of living, as long as they are provided with a job or similar mental and physical stimulation, and their human companions can accept their breed-characteristic vocal and herding behaviour. 'Prospective and new owners should be aware that this mid-size breed is still primitive. 'Mudis love to please and work best with variation, patience, positive reinforcement and a strong bond with their handler. They should research not only the breed but also existing lines and consult with breeders to ensure they obtain a dog suitable for their lifestyle and intentions.' DNA tests The breed is the fifth to be recognised in the UK in the last five years. It follows the Icelandic Sheepdog in April, the Polish Hunting Dog in 2024, the Pyrenean Sheepdog in 2021 and the Barbet in 2020. The term ' pedigree dog ' is used to refer to a dog within a breed that is recognised by The Kennel Club, the oldest recognised canine club in the world, and that has traceable ancestry going back several generations on both sides. Pedigree dogs are predictable in terms of their temperament and physical appearance and their exercise, grooming and general care needs. Because their ancestry is known, it is also possible to predict any health problems that might arise and to develop DNA tests for those conditions, which breeders can use before selecting their breeding dogs.

Famous breed of dog is dying out with barely any puppies born
Famous breed of dog is dying out with barely any puppies born

Wales Online

time16-05-2025

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Famous breed of dog is dying out with barely any puppies born

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Crufts 2025: Essex Police dog Baloo up for hero award
Crufts 2025: Essex Police dog Baloo up for hero award

BBC News

time18-02-2025

  • BBC News

Crufts 2025: Essex Police dog Baloo up for hero award

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