Labrador Retriever from Inverness wins Gamekeepers' classes at Crufts

Nithvalley Tweed at Foxhope, a Labrador Retriever from Inverness, Scotland, known at home as Tweed, and owned by Mr and Mrs Bamford, and handled by Emma Bamford, was declared the overall winner of the Gamekeepers' Classes on Friday 8 March at Crufts 2024.

Tweed is four years old and triumphed in the category which is confined to working gundogs. Judged this year by Alan Meldrum, every dog is judged to the breed standard, with consideration to their appearance and conformation, but all dogs in the competition must be bona fide working gundogs. These requirements make the classes totally unique.

Tweed was awarded 'Best in Gamekeeper Classes' out of the six class winners who made it through to the main arena judging. Tweed and Emma were awarded the Northesk Memorial Trophy which was presented this year by Ben Skinner, of Skinner's Field & Trial, a major sponsor of Kennel Club Gundog events.

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) is responsible for the organisation and running of the Gamekeepers' ring at Crufts and these classes, sponsored by Skinner's Field & Trial, are always popular with the general public and exhibitors alike.

Six gundogs were in contention for the coveted title, with Emma and Tweed emerging the victors under working gundog expert Alan Meldrum.

Emma said: "It has been a long day for Tweed and he is not used to the Crufts crowds so I am really proud of him! When the judge walked towards me it was surreal, just hope you don't trip up in the ring!"

Crufts takes place from 7 - 10 March 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.