Exhibitors were understandably keen to resume
canine activities after the war but a shortage of
suitable venues, and necessary benching added
to the continuing restrictions on travel made
the Kennel Club understandably hesitant, by
1946 the pressure could no longer be withstood,
so licences were issued for 176 Breed Club
Championship Shows. The first taking place on
Wednesday 1st May when the Dachshund Club
hosted a show for the Smooth-Haired variety at the London Scottish Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, SW1, three days later The Collie Association, sharing the same venue with the National Whippet Club, staged the first Rough Collie Championship Show of the new era. In an effort to encourage and support General Championship Show Societies, the Kennel Club severely limited the number of single breed shows in both 1948 and 49, but by 1950 a more relaxed attitude was adopted and tickets returned to Breed Club Shows, although usually confined to National Societies.
In a spate of patriotic fervour the Kennel Club enthusiastically endorsed the first
peace-time post-war government’s export drive, not only by establishing a specialist department for the handling of enquires, but also by introducing a dedicated area for foreign visitors at Cruft’s. The Overseas Lounge, with its refreshment facilities, interpreters, and shipping advice remains an integral part of the Cruft’s Scene even today.
