Local man judges boxer breed at Crufts after decades of expertise

A local man with decades of experience breeding boxer dogs took on a prestigious role at this year’s Crufts, judging the breed at the world-renowned competition.

Paul Russell was selected by the Royal Kennel Club to judge the boxer category at the event, held earlier this month at the NEC in Birmingham. With 146 boxers to assess, Paul described the experience as both demanding and rewarding.

“It was a great day,” he said. “Very tiring, but we got through it in good time.”

Paul and his wife have dedicated decades to breeding boxers, and his expertise has made him a sought-after judge at dog shows across the country.

“My wife and I have been breeding boxers for 50-odd years and because the Royal Kennel Club works so far ahead, I was invited to be a judge at this event two and a half years ago,” explained Paul, who has been a judge at dog shows around the world including in Australia and Norway.

“I have been a judge at various competitions over the years and so the Royal Kennel Club selected me because of my experience and knowledge. You have got to have a lot of knowledge about the particular breed you are judging, so it’s a matter of them choosing who they think is qualified to do it.”

At Crufts, dogs are judged against an official breed standard, which serves as a blueprint for the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of each breed. They compete in various categories, including Puppy, Junior (up to 18 months), Post Graduate, Limit, Open (where top champions compete), and Veteran classes.

Paul said he awarded the Best of Breed to a boxer from Scotland. After 50 years in the world of dog breeding, Paul and his wife now have just one boxer, Ralf. “I like boxers because I think they have a lot of character. When I was a child, we had a boxer. They are a real family dog.”

“Judging at Crufts is a real privilege,” he added. “It’s considered the pinnacle of your career.”

Crufts, established in 1891, is the world’s largest and most prestigious dog show. Organised annually by the Royal Kennel Club, it celebrates all aspects of dogs and their relationship with humans.

Pictured: Paul Russell with his boxer Ralf