Scruffts is an informal dog show competition, similar to that of a conformation show for purebred dogs, where crossbreed dogs of any parentage are allowed to compete. It is hosted by The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom and is named after its world-famous annual show, Crufts.
At Scruffts, dogs compete for the titles of:
- "Most Handsome dog": For dogs aged 6 months to 7 years
- "Prettiest bitch": For bitches aged 6 months to 7 years
- "Child's best friend": For dogs or bitches aged 6 months to 12 years, handled by a child aged 6 to 16 years
- "Golden Oldie": For dogs or bitches aged 8 to 12 years
Scruffts was designed for people or families who do not have, a purebred dog and who want to experience conformation competition with their dogs. It is an opportunity to properly socialise dogs, an important issue to help with behaviour and it is said to help strengthen the bond between dog and owner as well as to help people meet others with a similar interest in dogs. Just as crossbreeds are not allowed to enter true conformation shows, purebred dogs are not welcome in Scruffts, regardless of whether they are registered with The Kennel Club.
As Scruffts is just for fun and not a "true" or "serious" conformation, it only costs £1 per entry and all money raised goes to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust (registered charity no. 327802) . Judges cannot refer to a breed standard and therefore dogs are judged only on "Good Character", "Good Health", and "Good temperament with both people and dogs". Rosettes are awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions in each class, and each dog or bitch that receives a 1st placement is eligible to compete in the final at Discover Dogs which takes place every November at Earls Court 2 in London.
Scruffts takes place at various events around the country, the first event of 2011 takes place at Westonbirt Arboretum Dog Day on 27 February