Cork dog Maple gives judges at prestigious Crufts dog show paws for thought 

Glanmire dog, Maple, was placed third in her category at Crufts, the international dog show held annually in England.

The popular show has been held since 1891, and is organised by The Kennel Club, and held over four days in March at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Solihull outside Birmingham.

Maple, whose full name is Moorfields Maple, is 11-month-old cavalier King Charles spaniel. She attended the show with her humans, Elizabeth Byers and John Byers.

Ms Byers told The Echo: “It was our first time there so we were learning on the hoof. Maple loved it.”

They went over on a dog-friendly ferry operated by Irish Ferries, and even got a discount because they were exhibiting in Crufts.

She said that although they were delayed both ways, the journey itself was pleasant.

“They have a pet lounge where they can stay in a crate, but she can get out and have a little walk around too. She was very comfortable, and she’s well used to travelling and showing, she comes up between us in the middle of the car.”

Lovely experience

Crufts itself was a very large affair, she said, the size of five football pitches.

“The shopping over there is amazing, they have all things doggy and it’s just a lovely experience, but you have to like dogs for it!

“It was fabulous, and even better to win a rosette.

“Maple placed third in a very strong class of 13 puppies, she was the highest placed cavalier King Charles spaniel from Ireland.” 

A few others were awarded highly commended by judges. She was one of the 335 Irish entrants this year, and one of the 282 cavalier King Charles spaniels entrants from all over the world. In total, 18,698 dogs were involved in this year’s Crufts, the highest total to date and the biggest international participation ever.

Ms Byers groomed Maple herself for the show, saying that she loves grooming dogs, and that Maple is one of four cavalier King Charles spaniels she has.

Maple qualified for Crufts in Belfast when she was just six months old, the minimum age to qualify, at the last qualifying show in the country, and her third place in the show means she is set to qualify for next year too.

She was very mature for her young age at the show, but when at home she is more relaxed, and enjoys trying to eat her sister’s ears.