CRUFT's 2003 (Birmingham NEC - March 6-9th) This was such an exceptional show this year. The BBC transmitted four hours of "Live" coverage from the show, and I was privileged once again to be one of the principle presenters and commentators for the programmes. I was thrilled on the Friday, when the a wonderful Newfoundland won the Working Group. I keep Newfoundland's and this one was a gem. He was bred in Italy, sold as a puppy to the USA, where he was rejected as not being good enough, and returned to Northern Ireland  where he now lives. Since returning he has won in 16 European countries, and his biggest achievement to date was in winning the Group here at Cruft's. He's called Bruce, (Champion and International Champion And I'm Great to be Back) his co-owner and handler is Bill Dobbin. Then to cap it all, the other breed I keep, Pekingese, won the Toy Group on Saturday evening. That meant my two favourites were in the Final line-up of seven dogs competing for Best in Show. What a thrill. And it got even better. The Peke won the trophy. He's a three and a half year old little chap, called Danny (Champion Yakee A Dangerous Liaison) and it was third year lucky for him.   He is the only dog in the history of Cruft's to have won his Group for three years running. In 2002 he was Reserve Best in Show to a splendid Standard Poodle (from Sweden), and this year he went one better by taking the Top Prize, Best in Show, Cruft's 2003. His handler and owner, Bert Easdon (actually co-owner with Philip Martin) was ecstatic when Judge Albert Wight gave him the title, and says that Danny will now happily retire from the showring, to do and eat whatever he likes for the rest of his life. And no-one can say he didn't deserve it. As ever the Flyball and Agility Finals were held in the main ring and I thoroughly enjoyed commentating on two of the most exciting events in the dog world. The Team Agility Winners were Derwent Valley (from Derbyshire), the only team of the four which didn't have an elimination; and the Flyball was won by Nuneaton Titans who just pipped a very competitive Northants Flyers. Me an my co-commentators, Jessica Holm, Frank Kane, and Wayne Cavanaugh had a wonderful time, and hope that our enthusiasm for this fabulous event comes across to the viewers. I would appreciate any comments you may have via my email: peter@peterpurves.com