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Dog breeders furious after Crufts officials BAN hair ribbons
One of the best things about Crufts is seeing the dogs perfectly coiffed and dressed up to the nines in an attempt to impress the judges.
However, officials have apparently banned dogs from wearing bows and other decorative hair ribbons for this year’s event, which kicks off today in Birmingham.
Veteran shih tzu judge Pat Maule made the shock announcement on Facebook that no dog will be considered for Best in Show if they break the rules.
She stated: “Bows and/or any other adornments will not be permitted in the ring.
“Plain elastic band holding the topknot only please.”
Mrs Maule is backed up by new Kennel Club regulations, which changed in November 2016 to stop people showing shih tzus with bows in their topknots.
The Club’s guidelines read: “It is strongly recommended that the hair on head is tied up without adornment.”
Predictably, there was outrage from the doggy world.
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Californian shih tzu breeder Kathy Garcia said: “I feel that the self-righteousness of the statement and the overall UK arrogance about their Shih Tzu in relation to Shih Tzu from other countries (particularly the US) rubs the rest of us wrong.
“In regard to the bow, it is completely irrelevant when it comes to judging the dog… such a ridiculous thing for her to say!”
Australian breeder Sharon Murray added: “For many of us putting bows in the top knot of our shih tzu is a long held tradition especially here in Australia.
“I hope this judge rethinks this statement, it has upset many at a time when we should all be joining forces to promote our beautiful breed.”
Mrs Maule hit out at the comments she has received, claiming she has been “harassed” – but defended her stance.
Speaking to Dog World, Mrs Maule added: “In America the bow is used to hide faults from the judge and it’s something we don’t want here in the UK.”
Top pic: Getty
