The Kennel Club has announced the first qualifier from the Toy Group for the final of the Breeders’ Competition, which will take place at the world’s great dog show, Crufts, in 2010.

Mrs Jill Sims, from Sawley in Derbyshire, has owned Bichon Frises for over 30 years and first entered the competition at its official launch at Manchester Dog Show in January. Her team of Bichon Frises have competed in the Breeders’ Competition at five shows, using the same team of four dogs throughout. She has now accumulated enough points to qualify for Crufts 2010, which runs from 11th to 14th March.

Mrs Sims said: “The Kennel Club Breeders’ Competition has been wonderful, and we are actually all disappointed that for now it is over until Crufts. The majority of shows have made the competition a very positive experience and the judges have certainly made it an exciting challenge for our handlers to improve their skills of moving the dogs around the ring.

“As a team we have put in plenty of practice at handling the dogs together, which we have thoroughly enjoyed. I would particularly like to thank the other owners and handlers who contributed to our team’s success - without them none of this would be possible.”

There are now qualifiers for the final of the Breeders’ Competition from four of the seven groups. If you would like the chance to be the first qualifier from the Gundog, Terrier or Utility Group, please contact Kathryn Marsh at the Kennel Club for further details via kathryn.marsh@thekennelclub.org.uk or call 020 7518 1010