WHANGANUI 12-YEAR-OLD TO COMPETE IN ENGLAND’S CRUFTS DOG SHOW

Dog shows are a family tradition for 12-year-old prodigy Georgia Calman.

An unexpected national victory has earned her the opportunity to represent New Zealand at Crufts—the world’s most prestigious dog show—next March. This renowned event, held in Birmingham, England, will feature around 28,000 dogs over its four-day duration.

Georgia’s grandmother, Elizabeth Ward, began her journey in the world of dog shows in 1984, showcasing Dobermanns and Rottweilers at competitions across New Zealand.

“Once you get hooked on it, you tend to stick around,” Ward said.

Her own dog, Cinders, holds the distinction of being the only Boston terrier to achieve Grand Champion status with the New Zealand Kennel Club.

Ward’s passion for dogs has clearly influenced her daughter and granddaughter, who now own five pugs and two Boston terriers and are enthusiastic participants in dog shows nationwide.

Georgia’s unexpected victory at the NZ Junior Dog Handler final came as a surprise. She triumphed over 10 other finalists, having emerged from a series of 10 regional heats—six of which took place in the North Island. The competition was open to handlers aged 12 to 18.

“There was a girl everyone expected to win, and it was her final year… I honestly didn’t think I’d place this time,” Georgia said.

“When I won, it was a shock—I couldn’t believe it. It took a few days for the excitement to sink in.”

Dog handling requires competitors to guide dogs through a series of specific movements while being judged closely.

During the “swap dog” round, Georgia had just two minutes with an unfamiliar dog before entering the arena.

“The toughest part is that sometimes the dogs can sense your nerves,” she explained. “You need to talk to them a lot, give them treats when they perform well, and be firm but fair so they don’t take advantage.”

Handlers use small treats, like bits of dog biscuit or chicken, to reward their dogs for maintaining good posture and keeping pace.

Success in dog handling often hinges on the dog’s behavior. Georgia’s favorite breed to show is the Siberian husky due to their unique personality and temperament.

“Some dogs are quite clever and remember where you keep their treats, but breeds like pointers aren’t known for their intelligence, making them easier to handle,” she explained.

In the NZ Junior Dog Handler final, Georgia showcased a prize-winning Shiba Inu from Christchurch. “He is really impressive,” she said.

Ward and her husband had previously attended Crufts as spectators, and she described the scale of the competition as overwhelming. “There are thousands of people and top-winning dogs from around the world. The sheer size of it is astounding.”

She noted that Crufts features only the best dogs, with no crossbreeds allowed.

Dog handling and showing aren’t typically lucrative, she added. “You do it for the love of the sport. You might get a ribbon and a bag of dog food if you’re lucky.”

For three generations, their family has stayed dedicated to the hobby, driven by long-term friendships and a passion for dogs.