Petplan, the UK’s number one pet insurance provider, is hosting a series of exciting seminars at Crufts.

The Petplan Forum seminars, which are being supported by Our Dogs Magazine, have been specially designed to give breeders the opportunity to learn more about the breeding and caring for dogs from a number of experts in the field.

These unique seminars will feature six guest speakers who will be sharing their knowledge about subjects such as travelling overseas with dogs and emergency first aid.

The Petplan Forum topics are:

Selecting a puppy to win

Andrew Brace is a regular contributor to various other specialist titles here and overseas, judges extensively and is the Petplan Junior Stakes Final commentator.

Andrew’s seminar "Selecting a puppy to win" will help breeders to identify the puppy with those special qualities that will appeal to the judges when they appear in the show ring.

Do judges or breeders improve a breed ?

Liz Stannard has over 30 years experience and has bred a number of champions. She is also the Secretary of the well known Leeds Championship dog show. As breeds develop and evolve, is the responsibility that of the breeders or the judges? Liz will examine the contribution made by both parties in this fascinating seminar.

Travelling overseas with dogs

Meg Purnell-Carpenter has 30 years experience in showing, breeding, importing and exporting dogs worldwide. Meg also runs a busy quarantine kennel. As more and more people are travelling abroad with their animals, be it for dog shows or family holidays, Meg’s expert knowledge will help to make those journeys trouble-free.

Breeding good dogs

David Cavill publishes both Dogs Monthly and Our Dogs. David is a well known judge, has written three books and founded the Animal Care College. For many years David, and his wife Angela, have ranked amongst Britain’s top dog breeders – David explains the secrets of their success.

Emergency First Aid for dogs

Heather Briggs has developed residential courses in veterinary nursing. She now writes and tutors and works as a veterinary consultant. Heather has some invaluable tips for dealing with emergencies when time can be a matter of life or death.

Finding the right breed for you

Margaret Wildman has bred champions in six breeds, is a group judge and awards CCs in twelve breeds. Different breeds have different characteristics and personalities. Margaret helps prospective buyers choose the breed that matches their temperament and lifestyle.

The Petplan Forums are free to attend and will run every day during Crufts. To book your place please register at the Petplan stand (Stand 2 Hall 2).

Gyles Haverty, PR Executive for Petplan said "Petplan is absolutely delighted to be hosting this series of seminars at Crufts in association with Our Dogs magazine. Petplan has a well-established relationship with the breeder community and by talking to breeders we understand that they are interested in supplementing their knowledge of breeding and caring for dogs."

For further information please contact the Petplan Breeder Line on 0800 072 4411.