The Metropolis

Take a Stroll Through Crufts History

Chuck Ansbacher | Friday 11 March, 2011 11:11

The annual Crufts Dog Show kicked off yesterday, and I’ve been glued to my computer screens ever since. Watch the whole thing live here! Like me! But also, appreciate the history from whence this fabled and important event sprang.

Because honestly, I love dog shows, but I yearn for a time when it wasn’t considered OK for it’s contestants to wear “Yo Bitch!” bibs. It just seems so common. To satisfy my sweet-tooth for dog show historical geekery, I just spent an hour browsing through this gallery of former Crufts winners through the ages. Dogs used to be so much more classy and sophisticated back in the early 1900s. Those were the days!

Also, I knew dog names at these shows were nuts, but the further back in time the more remarkably nuts they get. For example, there’s Burtonswood Bossy Boots (1974), Crackwyn Cockspur (1962), Exquisite Model of Ware (1938 and 39 — back to back!), and my personal favorite, the sultry Heather Necessity (1929).

Is Christopher Guest looking for new projects? Because I’ve got a Best in Show prequel that’s just itching to get green-lit.

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