Crufts BANS 30 breeders and 51 dogs from Russia as owners and competitors wear colours of the Ukraine flag in solidarity with war-torn nation

  • Crufts has returned to Birmingham's National Exhibition center after two years 
  • Organisers The Kennel Club opted to ban Russian dog owners from taking part
  • 'Our friends in Ukraine and their dogs are fearing for their lives,' said spokesman
  • The ban is believed to affect about 30 owners and breeders along with 51 dogs

By Stewart Carr For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Russian dog owners have been banned from attending the canine world's biggest competition by organisers as a mark of solidarity with Ukrainians facing invasion.

The annual Crufts dog show is currently in its second day at the National Exhibition Centre, after a two-year hiatus due to Covid. 

Typically, the show is staged annually by The Kennel Club but this time around, bosses have opted to ban Russian participants due to the ongoing war. 

The ban is understood to affect about 30 owners and breeders along with 51 dogs which were due to compete in the show.

It is not understood to impact Russian breeds of dog. 

Three French Bulldogs wearing bandanas in the colours of the Ukrainian flag rest in their pen on the first day of the Crufts dog show

Three French Bulldogs wearing bandanas in the colours of the Ukrainian flag rest in their pen on the first day of the Crufts dog show

Jill Davies and her dog Demelza performing in the Hellwork to Music Final, supporting Ukraine at Crufts

Jill Davies and her dog Demelza performing in the Hellwork to Music Final, supporting Ukraine at Crufts

A spokesman from The Kennel Club said: 'In the light of rapidly evolving circumstances, it is with a heavy heart we have taken the decision not to allow exhibitors from Russia to compete at Crufts 2022.

'Our friends in Ukraine, and their dogs, are fearing for their lives and we will do all that we can to support them wherever possible.

The club is donating £50,000 ($66,000) for its partner organisations in Ukraine, Poland and Hungary to help breeders, owners and their dogs during the conflict with Russia.

Chief executive Mark Beazley described Crufts as 'a little bit of joy in some pretty sad days for the world at the moment'.

Dina Lepteva from Latvia, dressed in Ukrainian colours, with her Husky dog  Connor, five, during Husky dog

Dina Lepteva from Latvia, dressed in Ukrainian colours, with her Husky dog  Connor, five, during Husky dog 

Crufts is a celebration of the relationship between dogs and their owners, and features a range of events and competitions (pictured: Jill Davies' dog Demelza)

Crufts is a celebration of the relationship between dogs and their owners, and features a range of events and competitions (pictured: Jill Davies' dog Demelza)

As the contest opened yesterday, many participants wore ribbons in Ukraine's yellow and blue colours to show their respects.

Sara Davies, 63, from northeast England, entered Crufts for the first time with her black German shepherd, Laxi.

Wearing the yellow and blue ribbon, she said: 'It's my way to show I'm thinking of the Ukrainians.

'I mean, it's appalling. At least I can live my daily life normally. They can't.'

A Chihuahua arrives on the second day of the Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham

A Chihuahua arrives on the second day of the Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham

A pair of Russian Black Terriers arrive for the first day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

A pair of Russian Black Terriers arrive for the first day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

Lockdown restrictions, which forced last year's Crufts to be cancelled, increased stress and isolation for both humans and their four-legged friends.

'The pandemic was very difficult,' said Stacie Young, from Kent as she sat with her imposing Newfoundland, Bumbee, taking part in her second Crufts.

'She used to socialise a lot with other dogs during shows. Suddenly there was nothing happening at all. When we were finally allowed to gather in a group of six, we would gather in the park with some friends to practise.'

The last coronavirus restrictions were lifted in England last month, and few people were seen wearing masks as they watched a parade of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

But organisers said it will take time for the show to get back to its previous level: in 2020, some 150,000 people attended.

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