ONE LAD AND HIS DOG
Boy, 10, to compete at Crufts this weekend with his sheepdog after winning first show he entered
But the dog is still not very good at obeying one key command
A BOY of ten will be competing at Crufts this weekend with his sheepdog.
Harry Fitches qualified with Stanley after winning the first dog show they entered.
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The lad has been training the Australian Shepherd after school for their big moment in front of thousands at Birmingham’s NEC.
Harry, from Sway, Hants, who got Stanley two years ago from his breeder nan, said: “I am so excited.
“It’s great that me and Stanley are going to be at Crufts.
“I’m looking forward to parading him round the ring.”
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His mother Allison said everyone was stunned when Stanley won Best in Breed at the Bournemouth Championship Dog Show last year.
She said: “We warned him not to get too excited and it was highly unlikely he would win and get to Crufts.
“We were so shocked when the judge gave him first place – and I think so were most of the people there.”
Allison said Harry’s training with Stanley has been “going well” but says “Stanley is still not very good at standing still”.
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She added: “I think Harry is going to be a bit shocked when he gets to Crufts and realises how massive it is.”
“We are all a bit worried but Harry is confident and really excited about taking part.”
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Has an Australian Shepherd ever won Crufts?
HARRY Fitches has won a place at Crufts with his Australian Shepherd dog Stanley.
And if Stanley goes on to win the coveted title of Best In Show he will be only the second of his breed to do so.
Previously only ONE Australian Shepherd has taken home the trophy.
Chance - owned Nancy Resetar - triumphed in 2006.
The dog, whose full name is Caitland Isle Take a Chance, beat 22,000 dogs from 32 countries to bag the top prize.
Owner Nancy said: "It's the best moment in my life. I'm so proud of him."
The five-year-old won the Pastoral group to make it into the Best In Show finale.
Chance's show pedigree started at a young age when he won Best of Breed Puppy at ASCA 2000 Arizona Specialty twice in the 2-4 month class.
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