Handling has always been associated from the start with Pedigree/show dogs. Afterall, the art of handling classes has developed from skills used in the breed classes.
But, like everything, handling has developed in to a hobby and competition in it’s own right. The Adult Handling finals started being a seperate entity to any Kennl Club registered show and the YKC weekends host handling compeititions, along with the handling classes at Companion Dog Shows which sit under the novelty classes which are open to pedigree and cross breeds alike.
Though this we have seen an increase in handlers (junior and adult) competing in handling with cross breeds or non KC registered pedigrees.
The YKC allow handlers to compete with cross breeds at their training/activity weekends and have the chance to qualify for the YKC handling at Crufts.
When handling a cross breed there is no set way like with a pedigree, but most would advise you handle your dog to the breed it most resembles.
The same rules still apply, you want to move your dog at the correct speed and is stood so it’s “four-square”.