Altussi at Crufts 2025
- Katie King
- Mar 14, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 19, 2025
Introduction
Crufts is one of the largest and most prestigious dog shows in the world, held annually in the United Kingdom. It is organized by The Kennel Club, which is the official governing body of dog breeds in the UK. The event showcases a wide variety of dog breeds and includes competitions in various categories.
Crufts serves not only as a competition but also as a celebration of dogs and their roles in human lives. It promotes responsible dog ownership and encourages the public to learn about different breeds and their characteristics.
5 dogs bred by Altussi had the honour to compete at Crufts this year in the breed judging. This is when dogs are judged based on the breed standard from their conformation. The dogs that qualified this year were;
Altussi Rhythm and Blues "Captain" - Owned by Lynn Myall
Altussi Incognito "Harry" - Owned by Lynn Myall
Altussi Aryan Mist "Tala" - Owned by Katie King
Altussi All That Razzmatazz "Lyric" - Owned by Katie King
Altussi Gypsy Queen at Kexican "Shiraz" - Owned by Julia Meads
We are so proud of the Altussi dogs that qualified this year.
Lyric also spent a few hours in the Discover Dogs booth for Australian Shepherds so that members of the public could meet and learn about the breed. Lyric as always took this right in her stride and was an amazing advocate for the breed.
Preparation for Crufts
Training is a crucial aspect of preparing for a dog show, as it not only enhances the dog's performance but also ensures a positive experience for both the handler and the dog.
Ringcraft is an important way to prepare for a show as this will show both the dog and handler what to expect in the show ring. We believe in a positive training method for this at Altussi. This really creates an amazing bond between the dog and handler. This also means that our dogs go into the ring and just have fun. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing them love it.
Another important part of preparation for the competition is grooming. It is important that a dogs coat is in condition and that feet and hocks are trimmed up. Australian Shepherds are a minimally trimmed dog breed for the show ring, but a bath and blow-dry is important to set them in great condition.
I will write a separate article detailing how to groom your aussie for the ring.
Experience at Crufts
The moment you walk into those halls at the NEC, Birmingham for Crufts, you can just feel the buzz. The excitement from everyone around as they set up for the day ahead. The moment we walked into our hall, Tala and Lyric just lit up. They knew it was show day.
As friends meet up once again, some that haven't seen each other since the previous Crufts. It's an amazing day for building up connections and relationships in the dog show community. Meeting dogs you haven't seen in a while and seeing how they have matured is always an extra excitement for me.
On Saturday 8th March, Lyric went onto the Discover Dogs stand to show off the breed to the members of the public. Lyric did as Lyric does and just took it all in her stride. She wowed the public with her fantastic temperament and confidence. I also handled a Hungarian Vizsla, leaving Lyric waiting patiently in the benches. She got a lot of attention from the public, mainly because she was very out of place being with some smooth coated gundogs. She just enjoyed her day, every minute of it with a waggy tail. I was so proud with all the compliments I got throughout the day in regards to her behaviour and temperament.
We had a lovely celebration with the Altussi lot with cake and bubbly after we had all finished in the ring. This was the first Crufts since Altussi Changed hands to me from Lynn. I will always be grateful to Lynn for this.
Ring Results
The ring time started at 9:00am with first in being Veteran Dog. Harry (Altussi Incognito) was in the ring next on Puppy Dog. For his second ever time in the ring, this boy was golden. I'm proud to have handled this boy. He just had fun in his experience and nothing phased him. Crufts is such a large show that I don't expect a dog that has been in the ring a million times, let alone this puppy on his second time out. Harry wowed us by placing 2nd at 11 months old in an entry of 4.
Next up in the ring was Harry's sire, Captain (Altussi Rhythm and Blues) in Limit Dog. It was an incredibly excitable day for Captain. He loved every moment being there. He loved the crowd and all the dogs around. Unfortunately no placing for Captain this year in the entry of 15, but boy did he show his socks off in a tough class.
Then we had a little break in between the dogs and bitches to have a bite to eat and something do drink. Then Post-Graduate Bitch came around and it was Lyric's turn. From the moment she walked into that ring, Lyric really showed off her namesake. She was called Altussi All That Razzmatazz for a reason and she proved it that day. After not being in the ring for half a year, I really didn't expect Lyric to go in and perform how she did. Although I should never doubt her as she always gives me every ounce of her being, no matter what. She has really started to flourish into a woman since she turned 2 in November. We got in the ring, stacked her up and she gave me this look to say, "We've got this mum". And got this we had, Lyric showed her socks off and we placed 2nd in an entry of 11. This girl always has been slow to mature and she still has a long way to go, so going up into the big girl class and placing has me so proud of her. I think it helped her having her friends Echo and Cookie in the ring with her, who also placed in the class.
Last to go in the ring was litter sisters Tala (Altussi Aryan Mist) and Shiraz (Altussi Gypsy Queen at Kexican). Neither had any luck in this tough class of 11 entries in Limit Bitch this year. There was incredibly tough competition. Both girls enjoyed themselves non-the-less. Shiraz showed how in tune she was with owner and handler Julia. That little dog and Julia have the most amazing bond anyone could ever dream of having. They are a right duo. Altussi were so lucky to get such an amazing owner. The pair have really proved why we match up personalities together for our pups. Tala was a little under the weather and out of coat on Crufts day, so we just took it easy and enjoyed ourselves. That dog was born to be in a show ring. She just loves it. From the moment you arrive at the venue, she goes into show mode. You should just see the excitement she gets at home when she sees me with her show lead of sorting out my show bag.
Overall, we had an amazing day. Placings aside, we just enjoy our Crufts day for socialising and reuniting with each other. It was also lovely to be able to see plenty other Altussi owners, Debbie with Tara, Jenny with Cassie and Julie with Ozzie.
We look forward to our continuing years at Crufts, with Harry and Lyric now qualified for Crufts 2026.
I also want to thank my partner Luke for being my acting kennel hand for the day. His first time ever at Crufts after only going to 2 shows previously. Thank you for making sure I ate and drank as I have a had habit of forgetting.
Critiques
The critiques for the day are already out, incredibly quickly. Thank you to Pam Blay for judging us on the day.
Altussi Incognito
PD 2) Myall’s Altussi Incognito, just a couple of day short of a year & he still needs time for maturity, at present he is slightly longer but that should pull together with age, when he fills out & grows his mature coat I think he will be a different dog, shows promise & moves well to take his place for he has a typical head which needs to finish with a good eye & correct muzzle, neck, topline & loin.
Altussi All That Razzmatazz
PGB 2) King’s Altussi All That Razzmatazz, slightly longer tri who still needs to finish & tighten up all through as she is still young, very feminine with a pretty head & expression, good neck & shoulders, correct topline & croup, nice hindquarters, moved well looking particularly good in profile with the correct head carriage & footfall.
Conclusion
I would recommend anyone in the dog world or looking for a dog to go to Crufts. Whether it be competing, looking around Discover Dogs or just shopping. It's an absolutely fantastic experience and an amazing way to reconnect and speak to others within your breed. It is also a vital way to meet breeders when looking for a puppy. This allows you to see the dogs they are breeding, their temperaments and also how they treat their own dogs to see if that breeder is for you.
Written by Katie King
Altussi Australian Shepherds
Comments