Entries are closing on Monday January 7th (PO postmark) for Crufts 2002.

Starting on Thursday March 7th with Working and Pastoral, Friday March 8th for Terrier and Hound, Saturday sees the Utility and Toy groups being judged and on the final day, Sunday March 10th, the Gundog group will close the proceedings.

For the first time at Crufts 2002, Leonbergers are scheduled with CCs and the judge for the breed is Mr. Peter Jolley. Following the success of over 100 overseas entry for Crufts 2001, it looks like the relaxed restrictions on overseas qualifications may see many more making the journey.

Qualification for overseas competitors means that any champion from a country with which The Kennel Club has a reciprocal agreement qualifies automatically if it is domiciled in the UK and is on The Kennel Club Breed Register. Any FCI International Champion qualifies and winners of Junior (Dog) and Junior (Bitch) classes.

Plus the Best Dog and the Best Bitch at specified shows in each of the European countries entitled to take place in the UK Pets Travel Scheme. (Kennel Club fully recognised breeds only). One show only nominated by the Kennel Club in the country concerned. Mrs Pamela Cross-Stern has the honour of judging best exhibit in show.

The judging of BIS is always an exciting affair and Crufts 2002 promises nothing less with the usual live TV coverage planned. The KCJO programme is also very full with varying finals, demonstrations and competitions.

The KCJO will be in its now familiar situation of Hall 3 which is great for the juniors being so close to the main entrance. OUR DOGS are once again sponsoring many of the KCJO events.

The OUR DOGS stands will be busy with a wide variety of canine merchandise, books, issues, 2002 Annuals, videos and stationery. Please note that the order of judging in Ring 12 (Hall 2) on Friday, 8 March, 2002 - Terrier and Hound Day should read first in the ring Dandie Dinmont Terriers followed by Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers and not as indicated on page 34 of the schedule.

Exhibitors are reminded that the show entry form can be downloaded from the Crufts website and that schedules are available from the Crufts Office, 1 Clarges Street, London W1J 8AB, telephone 020-7518 1012.