AN EXCITING new competition to look forward in the New Year is the Pedigree Breeder Stakes. Working on a similar basis to the already hugely successful champion and veteran stakes, heats will be run at the majority of general championship shows throughout 2002. However, the big difference is that the final will be held at Crufts (not January's Pedigree Stakes final).

The first heat is to be held at Manchester Dog Show in February 2002, and will be judged by Clare Coxall. At the shows scheduling the Breeder Stakes the overall winner on each day will receive a £25 product voucher and each winning participant will receive £20 cash to defray expenses, if they return to compete in the Final on the last day. The overall Breeder Stakes winner will receive a Product Voucher for £50 and the runners up a product voucher for £25. The judges for each heat are appointed by the show society.

To give everyone a good idea of what the competition is all about, there will be a demonstration on the final day of Crufts 2002 in the main ring, just prior to the judging of the Gundog group. This will feature 10 breeders groups, each consisting of the required three to five dogs (more than one handler is permitted). All dogs in each group must be of one breed and bred by the same breeder, but not necessarily still owned by the breeder. The "beaten dog" rule does NOT apply and the breeder enters the class in his or her name & is responsible for organising the exhibits they wish to form their breeder group.

The winner of the first Grand final at Crufts 2003 will be presented with £250 Product and a Trophy. Other placings receive awards as follows: 2nd prize £200 Product & Trophy; 3rd Prize £150 Product; Reserve £100 Product and VHC £50 Product.