Crufts annual dog show has not long ended, and of course was it was brilliant as always, but it lacks a few features that would make truly comprehensive and even more inclusive. Over the years I have presented several of these on the halfbakery, but alas to date none have so far found favour with the
canine royalty of Crufts:
Every Dog Has Its Duplex
The Opposite of Crufts
Crufts Mechanical
Crufts Million Pound Prize
Geranium Shepherd
Pedigree Basalt
The Crufts Dog Show Barking Mad Competition
For next year I propose the Crufts Paradog Event. This is designed to be a parallel event to that of the Paralympics, where people with all sorts of disabilities compete as equals against other disabled athletes. I see no reason why disabled dogs cannot be just as equal competitors.
The agility obstacle course is the most obvious event that would enable all manner of less able bodied dogs to show off their prowess. For this there would be the “lesser limbs” event catering for all dogs with less than four complete legs. The Chariot Race would be a pure speed test for those two legged dogs who’s back legs have been replaced by a low slung two wheeled vehicle. Events could even be created for sightless dogs, who can navigate by smell and hearing. The final event would be the Disabled Dog Beauty Contest, an exact parallel of the Pedigree Breed of Year Competition.
People love their dogs regardless of any disablements that may befall them, and Crufts should fully reflect the reality that dogs have as many imperfections as people, but this only makes their athletic and other achievements even more remarkable.