SHOW & TELL! Amy's winning pedigree

SHE’S READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD’S BEST POOCHES

- Lynley Ward

For as long as Amy Bray can remember there’s always been a dog in her life.

Growing up in a household that bred pedigree pooches, and with parents so passionate about showing dogs that Amy and her siblings slept beside competition rings, meant the young champion handler had very little choice in the matter.

“But I’m not mad about that,” laughs the teenager. “I’ve always loved it and I’ll probably never stop showing my dogs.”

Given she’s had such a headstart, it’s hardly surprising the 18-year-old is heading to Crufts in England for the second time in three years to represent Aotearoa at the prestigious dog show.

For the Matamata kennel hand, it’s another chance to edge closer to being the best junior dog handler in the world.

On her first appearance, she placed outside the top 10. This time she’s determined to improve her standing, spending every spare moment getting ready for the biggest canine competition on the planet.

“It’s a lot different this time because when I first went I was only 15; now I’m more mature and know what’s ahead of me. So I’m going to be more prepared this time,” she explains.

“I’m not as nervous as I was two years ago but, obviously, when you’re competing on a world stage like that it’s still very nerve-wracking. There’s a lot of preparation I have to do to make sure my handling is clean and crisp, and I have to have the perfect suit and perfect hair.”