By James Reid at NEC Birmingham
A six-year-old boy will be one of the youngest competitors at Crufts this year as he makes his debut at the world’s greatest dog show after just five months of showing.
Jacob Kenwright, from Bolton, has been in the ring for just a matter of months and was counting down the days to hit the minimum entry age requirement of six.
And he has now successfully qualified to compete on the famous green carpet, accompanied by four-year-old Jack Russell Jemima.
Jacob will compete in the Jack Russell breed category as well as the 6-11-year-old young handler competition on Saturday – and Mum Leigh admits he simply can’t wait for his bow.
“He is so excited, I think I am a lot more nervous than he is,” she revealed. “He is just so excited to get in the ring. It has been such a build-up for him, he’s just desperate to get going now.
“He’s at a good age now, he doesn’t mind if he wins or loses, he is the first one to go up and congratulate whoever wins. He just enjoys it; he just likes being there with Jemima.
“Jacob has been desperate to show since he was tiny and then finally when he turned six I got him into his first show.
“He was six years and four days on his first show. He loves the dogs, he loves people, he loves it.
“He got his first Young Kennel Club points for that show and has gone from strength to strength. He qualified for Crufts on his second attempt.”
The tight-knit bond between Jacob and Jemima will be on show for all of the thousands of spectators at Crufts to see on Saturday, with crowds flocking to Birmingham’s NEC despite snowy conditions.
And while Jacob might have always been set for a future in dog handling, his relationship with Jemima has been the key to success at such an early age.
“Jacob is the third generation of dog handlers in my family,” added Leigh. “There’s me, his aunty, and his nanna all show dogs.
“Jacob first came to Crufts when he was still in my belly and then he’s been every year since. The first six years of his life he has spent it at the side of the ring just watching and supporting.
“I got Jemima our Jack Russell when she was about four months old, and Jacob and Jemima got on instantly. It was a very excited toddler and a very excited puppy.
“They have a fantastic relationship. From day one they loved each other, they spend all their time together, they are constantly playing in the garden, they get on so well.
“When Jacob went to his first show, I don’t think there was a question which dog he was taking, he already knew it would be Jemima.”
Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and of the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners. Crufts is held from 9-12 March 2023 at the NEC Birmingham. Viewers can follow all the action and highlights on Channel 4 and More4, and for further information and tickets visit crufts.org.uk
