"I started in 1967 with Irish wolfhounds and got my first dachshund in 1970. I kept the two breeds for 30 years, though I've given up the wolfhounds now as they are difficult to leave if we go away.
Although wolfhounds are huge and dachshunds are small, they're very similar in temperament. I've always had miniature wire-haired dachshunds and they have the best temperaments of the lot. They are busy, feisty little dogs who go everywhere with you and love to do things.
The public idea is of a fat sausage dog and it's true that in a family they will eat themselves to death given half a chance, they are very greedy, but if they are kept to the right weight they are a very healthy breed.
Preparing wire-haired dogs for showing involves stripping out their coats. You use your finger and thumb to pull out the old coat when it gets ragged, wearing a thin latex rubber glove to give you some grip, and the brand new coat comes through all fresh and smart.
Good food plays a big part and the dog must be the right weight. I like mine really well muscled up. If they have bulging muscles it gives them great movement.
I've been to Cruft's every year since 1965 and I've seen the dress of the handlers improve no end. We are not as smart as handlers in the US, where the men wear collar and tie and jacket even if it's sweltering, but we are smarter than the Europeans.
You have to look smart. Billowing skirts and jangling jewellery get in the way and you hardly ever see high heels. If you are showing a dark dog and get down behind it to show it off, light colours set off the dog, and it's the opposite if you are showing a light-coloured dog. People do make an extra effort at Cruft's. They know everyone is watching.
In 1993, I won reserve Best in Show out of 22,229 dogs with my Irish wolfhound, Drakesleat Odyt. It was quite overwhelming, boiling hot in the ring, the sweat was running down my back and the dog was panting too. We were just touched off by an Irish setter on the day but it was marvellous."