A Builth Wells butcher will be hitting the big time when he takes his pet Corgi to Crufts next week.

Rhys Field, 30, is set to take Dotty – a 20-month-old Cardigan Welsh Corgi – to the world-renowned dog show after realising her ‘unique’ star quality.

But he insists there are no expectations on his furry friend for the competition, which will see the pair travel nearly 100 miles from Powys to NEC Birmingham.

He said: “I’m quite excited by it and I’ve got no expectations.

“It’s just about learning really.

 

“It’s about taking everything in and taking everything in your stride.”

The journey for Dotty – whose full name is Cruglwyd Cristyne – to the top stage has been rapid, with the young pup starting out via a remarkable victory at a competition in nearby Caerwnon Park.

Field, who works full-time as a butcher, puts such instant success down to Dotty’s lively personality.

He added: “Oh she’s a character!

“I’d say she’s a little bit demanding, because if you’re not giving her attention she’s like ‘come on’ and she’ll talk to you and look at you.

“She just chops away.

“She’s unusual and she’s different.

“Unique is what I’d say!”

Dotty, however, is not a one trick dog – with a long-term plan already set aside for her to join the family business of cattle farming.

This work will be alongside Field’s grandfather, Aaron, who initially inspired the 30-year-old to go down the corgi route.

He said: “My grandfather got me into it, basically.

“His first ever dog was a corgi and he’s from Cardiganshire.

“He’s from a farming background and he actually grew up with them and they worked the cattle and sheep.

“I got involved with it that way.

 

“Dotty nowadays gets picked up by my mum and they take her up to the farm.

“She’s got a bit of a free rein there.

“We are hoping to work her with cattle eventually. That’s the long-term plan.”

Crufts is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners.

The world's biggest dog show recognises the varied roles that dogs play in society and highlights the many different disciplines and activities for dogs and owners.

Away from the chaos of the farmyard, Field is appreciative of the healthy impact his young canine companion has had on his life.

“She’s had a massive impact,” Field added.

“Before, I probably wouldn’t be out and about.

“I’d just be at home, lying around in the evening doing nothing.

“Now I’m on the move all the time!”

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 7-10 March 2024 at the NEC Birmingham. Viewers can follow all the action and highlights on Channel 4, and for further information and tickets visit: http://crufts.org.uk