Crufts Dog Show 2004:
For Peter's account of this year's show

A Lifelong Passion
Pets and animals have been part of Peter's life since he was a lad - his first dog was a Spaniel named Rusty - and continue to play an important role.

At home today Peter's family includes three dogs, the oldest, Kent, a Newfoundland (6); and two Pekingese, Tilly and Holly, both soon to be 5. Peter's wife Kathryn had a Pekingese when he met her and he soon got used to the idea of living with these most un-macho dogs. Pekes are huge dogs in a tiny, furry body. They have hearts like lions and are as brave as they come. The smallest of the trio, Tilly, is the boss dog!

Peter first started presenting at Crufts Dog Show for the BBC in 1976 and has been principal Presenter and Commentator since 1989. He has also presented and narrated many other animal programmes, including 65 editions of Pets Go Public for Channel 5, the Discovery Channel's Breed All About It, All About Dogs and Superdogs.

He has been editor of the monthly magazine, Mad About Dogs, is Vice Patron of Dogs for the Disabled and President of The Canine Supporters Charity and the Rugby Animal Trust.

Until recently he spent time promoting the new animal sport of Heelwork to Music. Sadly he has recently resigned as President of that Association because of the in-fighting and feuding of its members.
More widely, Peter regularly takes on the role of Official Commentator at some of the largest shows in the country, including:
The Royal Show at Stoneleigh
The Royal Bath and West Show
The Great Yorkshire Show
Animals were, of course, also a feature of Blue Peter as Peter recalls.

Peter and Petra

"Petra was certainly the most famous of the Blue Peter dogs, but was a very nervous dog. She was owned by the BBC, but producer Biddy Baxter suggested that I looked after her at home so that she would feel she was with a friend when she came to the studio. It was a good idea and to a degree worked. she wasn't the best natured dog in the world and hated other dogs, but she became my dog and lived with me and my family until she died. I was very fond of her, and I think she was of me."

Peter and that Elephant!

"This is one of those pieces of television that everyone remembers - a real classic.

It all happened when Lulu, the baby elephant from Chessington Zoo, came on the show and caused chaos. Lulu did the lot! She drank and she peed, poohed and generally misbehaved - dragging her poor gamekeeper through the mess. Val gamely struggled to keep us all on the script, but john and I could not stop laughing. It was really Biddy Baxter's fault. She asked the keeper to do without the stick he used to keep Lulu under control. Without it Lulu did exactly what she wanted. Great fun - and you couldn't have written it."

Links & Contacts to Charities
The Kennel Club - organisers of Crufts.
Peter is a great supporter of animal charities. Please use the information below to find out more.
Dogs For The Disabled or E-mail: info@dogsforthedisabled.org
The Canine Supporters Charity or E-mail: info@weyfarm.co.uk
Our Dogs magazine
Rugby Animal Trust
11 Elsee Rd, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 3BA - Tel: 01788 576680
Heelwork to Music Trainer
For more doggie info from one of the best Heelwork to Music Trainers go to www.lindatopliss.me.uk