Let’s start with the fun bit. With a little planning, you can easily save £100+ with our top tips... All the more for your spending spree!

This sounds obvious, but it’s one of the biggest mistakes people make. You will easily do 10,000 steps without even trying when walking around the halls at the NEC (National Exhibition Centre). By mid-afternoon your feet will absolutely tell you whether you chose the right footwear. We watched more than one person wandering around looking for emergency insoles because their shoes weren’t up to the job.
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Comfortable trainers will save your feet and your mood.

Our biggest practical tip? Bring a wheeled shopping bag. Yes… I do mean a classic “granny shopper.”

Crufts has hundreds of stands, and if you plan to do any shopping at all you will quickly end up carrying multiple bags. The halls are busy and navigating crowds with armfuls of shopping becomes exhausting. A wheeled bag makes the whole day far easier.

There is a cloakroom at Crufts, which costs £3 per item. This can be great if you want to ditch your coat or drop off shopping.

However, we discovered something useful the hard way. While there are no clearly advertised weight or size limits, the staff will refuse small bags that are overly heavy.

Our rucksack was considered too heavy, so we had to split the contents into two bags. Just something to be aware of.

This was one of the most frustrating questions to research before attending. We tried searching  "What size bag can I take to Crufts", "Bag restrictions at Crufts", "What size bag can I take to the NEC" and we couldn't find any guidance. So we found out for you. We saw people entering with large bags, backpacks, and wheeled shoppers (with no issues). There are no bag size restrictions for Crufts, you may just find any very large suitcases need to go in the Cloakroom.

So if you are planning your visit, bringing a larger bag for shopping is absolutely workable.

Yes. And this is one of the biggest money-saving tips. You can bring your own food and drinks into the venue. Food inside the halls can be quite pricey. Typical prices we saw included:

• Chicken gyros: £15
• Fries: £6
• Mr Whippy ice cream: £7.50
• Coffee: £4.60
• Water: £3

That means fuelling yourself for the day will easily cost £36. If you want to save money (or simply spend it on dog goodies instead), bringing a packed lunch is a great idea.

On that note, shopping is thirsty work. The NEC has free water refill stations, clearly signposted throughout the venue. You will find them in the cafés and near the entrances to halls. So if you bring a refillable bottle you can save a few pounds throughout the day.

Crufts is not just about shopping. Many of the stands are run by true experts in their field, from dog grooming to equipment to training. Don’t be shy about asking questions. You might discover that:

• The food you’ve always fed your dog is outdated
• There’s a grooming tool that would make life far easier
• There's an amazing new dog training tool 

The exhibitors are there to help, not just sell. Take advantage of the knowledge in the room.

There are hundreds of stalls at Crufts - and the layout is vast (and can feel overwhelming). If you have a long shopping list, it is worth checking the exhibitor list beforehand and planning your route. Many brands offer Crufts-exclusive discounts, so it is a great opportunity to stock up on things you use regularly.
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Some stands even give away freebies. We grabbed a free coffee at the K9 Jet stand, which was a lovely mid-morning boost.

The official Show Guide costs £15. It is a lovely keepsake and includes additional articles and schedules. However, if you know you want one, there is a better option... Buy the VIP Crufts Bag instead. It includes: the show guide, a branded Crufts jute bag, sample products, mini grooming items, trial dog foods, treats and supplements. The freebies alone are easily worth £25, making it surprisingly good value.

We didn't expect it - I raided my piggy bank for my spending budget oopsie! Quite a lot of the stands are now cashless, so make sure you bring a card or contactless payment method.

Crufts is full of lovely dog people. And because many visitors only stay for part of the day and people sometimes have spare tickets.

Last year both Sara and I were approached by people offering a free spare ticket. It happened again this year too. No catch, no hitch - just nice people, doing a nice thing.

If you’re feeling brave, try politely asking people leaving the venue if they have a spare ticket they’re not using. You might save £30 instantly!

To date (December 2018), I’ve confirmed a positive pregnancy in over 1,100 animals (mainly dogs). That’s nearly 72% of all my scans are confirmed pregnant. I’ve looked over my figures, and there’s a 6.4% chance of a pregnancy being a solo puppy, unlike the chances of having a large litter of 10 or more puppies is only 2.3%.

Singleton puppies are not typically a reflection on the sire or dams reproductive capacity and are more likely due to not mating at the most fertile time, either too early or too late, meaning the semen has only just managed to fertilise an egg by surviving and waiting for the egg to mature, or by racing to it super quick before the egg dying. An urban myth is that a female puppy results from mating too early and a male puppy from mating too late.
Should the female be bred again, I highly recommend a form of ovulation testing, such as a vaginal cytology swabbing or the more accurate Progesterone blood testing. I sent a quick email to all my clients who I had previously scanned with solo babies (pure and crossbred) to find out their experiences after I broke the singleton news. They provided me with 32 data sets I’ve attempted to constructively summarise!

Singleton puppy born by...62% Naturally whelped
of which 85% survived
38% C-section
 of which 42% survived
(100% survived if born by elective c-section)

★ Naturally Whelped
On average, the puppies that naturally whelped and survived were born around 62 days gestation. The survival rate decreased from 63 days. Owners shared that the whelping process was ‘typical’, confirming that the puppy tended to be bigger rather than of average size. For some, the labour stages were prolonged and difficult. 15% of the owners that whelped naturally said they would recommend other owners going through the same experience to elective section on the due date.
Most owners mentioned no issues with milk production or the need to hand feed or supplement. 25% did visit their vet for additional physical checks and advice, and 1 owner felt they were given poor advice and changed practices during this critical period.


★ C-section
​On average, The puppies surviving by c-section were born around 61 days. The survival rate decreased from 65 days. 2 owners felt their vet had delayed the option of a c-section (66 days), compromising the puppy’s viability. Most owners decided to c-section because their female had shown partial signs of labour and then stopped (inertia). Indicating more complex labour, possibly due to a stuck puppy or wrong positioning.
Some puppies were born naturally when the female had been sedated and prepared for a c-section. The relaxation of the muscles means the puppy was easier to pull free (these puppies were deceased). Distressed puppies did not survive the operation or longer than 2 days after birth. Some seemed weak, and some dams were not attentive to their young. Of the owners with the veterinary agreement to an elective section on their due date, 100% of these puppies were born alive.

★ The 3 Pillars of Responsible Dog Breeding
One of the critical elements of Pillar 2: Preparing of the responsible dog breeding framework is having a reliable birthing plan, which focuses on the safe delivery of a litter. With solo or singleton puppies, the risk of puppy fatality increases. It is beneficial to have support from trusted, specialised, and experienced sources to navigate these challenges.


★ Delivery Summary
It’s generally advised not to change the dam’s diet during pregnancy, neither in quality nor amount. Because the puppy has ‘womb space’ to grow and develop, changing the dam’s diet may entice the puppy to overgrow due to having no competition with littermates for nutrition or space. Being restrictive on food will hopefully prevent any excessive and unnecessary growth.

Even if the puppy is a typical size and the dam is maiden, you are still unaware of her ability to deliver naturally due to her pelvis size or strength of contractions. Females who have already successfully birthed puppies will provide the owner with additional information to gauge her ability to whelp. Raspberry leaf supplement is said to aid birthing and should be considered along with any veterinary agreement to calcium supplements, or oxytocin should contractions weaken.

The lack of contractions or weakening contractions is called inertia. With solo babies, it can happen in the first stage of labour due to the puppy not stimulating or applying enough pressure on the uterine wall and cervix to trigger a natural birth. The second stage is when contractions exist but stop, mainly due to an oversized puppy, and the muscles have become tired of trying to push the puppy out.

It could be easy to miss primary inertia, so I strongly recommend tracking the dam’s temperature before and up to her due date. You also have the option of ‘Reverse’ Progesterone testing. If the numbers are low, this confirms the puppy is ready for birth, so you can confidently c-section. If you Progesterone tested on mating, you would have confirmed ovulation before breeding, so your due dates will be reliable for possible c-sections. Not all puppies can be seen moving or felt, especially on deep-set breeds. I recommend checking the puppy for a viable heartbeat with an ultrasound before deciding on a c-section.

★ Long Term Observations

Surviving singleton puppies develop like typical puppies into adult dogs. Many commented that the puppy ended up larger than the breed standard or their Dams (which wouldn't be usual if the puppy is male). Solo pups tend to be more demanding regarding play and stimulation due to the lack of siblings/playmates, many refer to this as "Solo Puppy Syndrome". This can mean they are more dependent on human interaction and, if not handled correctly, can become over-demanding and dominant. One owner neutered their male at 9 months old due to behavioural issues.

Check out this must-listen Breeders Brew Podcast episode, in which Sara and Isobel discuss how to prevent a solo puppy litter, correctly plan a safe delivery, and make adjustments with a singleton.
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The Breeders Brew podcast is available on podcasting platforms. Subscribe to the channel and turn on notifications  for seamless, trusted breeding advice and support.

There are so many reasons why proactive supplementation is vital, but most importantly...

1. Preventing Cleft Palates & Neural Tube Defects: Research has shown that folic acid plays a pivotal role in the development of the neural tube in embryos. Neural tube defects are serious congenital abnormalities that can affect the brain and spinal cord. While most studies focus on humans, the principles apply to dogs as well. Supplementing with folic acid during early pregnancy can help mitigate the risk of such defects in canine foetuses [2][3].
2. Supporting Cellular Growth and Division: Folic acid is vital for DNA synthesis and cell division, making it especially important during the early, rapid growth phases of pregnancy. In dogs, adequate folic acid levels can support the proper formation of organs and tissues in developing puppies [4]. A deficiency during this critical period can lead to improper cell division, potentially resulting in structural abnormalities.
3. Enhancing Mum's Health: Folic acid also plays a role in maintaining the overall health of the mother. It helps to reduce the risk of anaemia, which can be particularly concerning during pregnancy when the body requires more nutrients to support both the mother and her developing puppies. Anaemia can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other complications, impacting the mother's ability to care for her young [5].
4. Regulation of Homocysteine Levels: Elevated levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, during pregnancy can be associated with increased risks of developmental issues. Folic acid aids in the metabolism of homocysteine, helping to maintain its levels within a safe range. This regulation is crucial for the healthy development of the foetus and can prevent potential complications [6][7].

Folic acid supplementation is essential for pregnant dogs, just as it is for humans. With its role in preventing neural tube defects and cleft palates, folic acid is a vital nutrient that should not be overlooked during canine pregnancies. It is essential to ensure that our pregnant dogs receive adequate folic acid to promote healthy pregnancies and prevent complications - especially in the first 40 days of pregnancy. 

You should start supplementing as early as possible, most proactive breeders will begin from the start of season.

Each dog will have a different Folic Acid nutrient requirement, this is predetermined by their breed risk and family history. Don't assume because you've "never heard of anyone have a cleft palate puppy" or you've been lucky until now, that your breed may not be at increased risk. Some very common breeds are at elevated risk (which always shocks people) including Dachshunds, Labradors, Poodles and all Doodles, and even Golden Retrievers. 

Our Top Tip: It's vital to tailor your dogs dosage to their breed. You can find out how much they need by looking on the Canine Nutrition Coach product page. Or join the Brew Crew to get Isobel (THE Canine Nutrition Coach)'s personalised support and advice. 

If your bitch is already in season and you’re frantically searching for a dog, you’ve left it too late. This is how most corners get cut, and it’s the most common way people end up compromising.

The best stud owners (the ones who care, educate, and guide you) are often booked months in advance.

Our Top Tip: Finding a stud should be a conversation that starts loooong before you need it. A year or more ahead isn’t too early. So start looking now, if you haven't already. 

Planning ahead gives you time to evaluate health tests, temperament, compatibility, and the person behind the dog. It means you’re making a decision based on values, not panic. And that’s where good breeding begins. 

Artificial insemination and trans-cervical insemination exist for good reasons. They can help when there are strictures, size mismatches, imported chilled semen, or very valuable frozen semen. Ovulation testing is essential in these scenarios. With the right timing, one well planned mating is often enough. Multiple matings are usually only worth considering for last chance breedings or where there is a history of missed litters.

TOP TIP: Always progesterone test prior to an AI to make sure you identify the correct timing.

Breeding is not guesswork. It is planning, observation and sensible decision making. Understanding the process protects your dogs and improves your outcomes.
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This is exactly why our Clubhouse exists. Inside you'll find our "Brew Crew" - a caring community of owners engaging with our expert lessons, weekly calls and more. Breeder Briefs are just one of the perks inside the Clubhouse, along with Spotlight Sessions which take one key topic each month and turn it into clear, practical guidance you can use straight away. Our Brew Crew members also unlock the complete on demand archive, including activity sheets, call recordings, live Q&A calls and more.

If your girl is due soon, or you are planning for puppies, the answers you need are already waiting for you inside the Clubhouse. Come and join us!