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Crufts, the world's largest dog show, has been a beloved event for over a century. It's a testament to the dedication and love of dog owners and breeders.
The first Crufts took place in 1886 and was won by a Pointer named Fox.
The event has a long history of crowning champion dogs, with some breeds dominating the competition over the years.
History of Best in Show
The History of Best in Show at Crufts is a fascinating tale that spans over 15 years, with the first winner being an Australian Shepherd in 2006. This breed has also won the title in 2024.
The first year of the 21st century saw the Hungarian Vizsla take the top spot in 2010, marking a significant milestone in the competition's history. The Sealyham Terrier won in 2009.
The Giant Schnauzer won in 2008, showcasing the diversity of breeds that have taken home the coveted title. The Tibetan Terrier won in 2007.
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In 2013, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen became the first of its breed to win the Best in Show title at Crufts. The Lhasa Apso won in 2012.
The Retriever (Flat-Coated) has won the title twice, in 2011 and 2022. The Wire-haired Dachshund won in 2020.
The breed with the most wins is the Australian Shepherd, with two titles in 2006 and 2024.
Best in Show Winners
The Best in Show winners of Crufts have been a diverse group of breeds over the years.
From 2006 to 2025, the winners have included Australian Shepherds, Lagotto Romagnolos, and Wire-haired Dachshunds, among others.
The breed with the most Best in Show wins at Crufts is the English Cocker Spaniel, with seven wins.
Here is a list of the Best in Show winners since 2006:
Crufts Best in Show
Crufts Best in Show winners have been crowned since 1928, with the first winner being Primley Sceptre, a Greyhound owned by Mr Herbert Whitley. This prestigious title is awarded to the dog that impresses the judges the most.
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The Best in Show winner receives a replica of the solid silver Keddall Memorial Trophy, and a small cash prize of £200. The winner is determined by a series of rounds, starting with the Best of Breed competition, followed by the Best in Group category.
Here are some of the recent Best in Show winners at Crufts:
The English Cocker Spaniel has been the most successful breed at Crufts, with seven Best in Show wins, and the Gundog Group has produced the most Best in Show winners, with twenty-three titles.
Best in Show Competitors
To compete for Best in Show at Crufts, dogs must have qualified during the previous year by obtaining first, second or third place in the relevant class at a Kennel Club-affiliated Championship show where Challenge Certificates are awarded.
Dogs typically qualify by competing against others of the same breed, split by gender, age and previous class wins. This includes classes such as Veteran, Special Puppy, and Open.
The dog and bitch class winners then compete again for the Dog and Bitch Challenge Certificate (CC). The two CC winners then go head-to-head to determine the Best of Breed.
To give you an idea of the competition, here are the top 5 breeds with the most Best in Show wins at Crufts:
The competition is fierce, but with dedication and hard work, some breeds have managed to stand out.
Previous Crufts Best in Show Winners
The Crufts Best in Show competition has a rich history, with a long list of talented canine champions vying for the top spot. The very first Best in Show winner was Primley Sceptre, a Greyhound owned by Mr Herbert Whitley in 1928.
To date, the English Cocker Spaniel has been the most successful breed at Crufts, with seven Best in Show wins under its belt. The Gundog Group has also had a remarkable run, producing 23 Best in Show winners.
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The competition is fierce, but only the best of the best make it to the final round. In 2018, a Whippet named Collooney Tartan Tease won the coveted title, becoming the third Whippet to ever take home the award.
Here's a list of some of the recent Best in Show winners at Crufts:
The Best in Show title is highly coveted, and only the most exceptional dogs make it to the top spot.
1928 to Present
The first Best in Show winner at Crufts was Primley Sceptre, a Greyhound owned by Mr Herbert Whitley in 1928.
The Best in Show title has been awarded annually since 1928, with the current holder being Ch. Brighttouch Drift The Line Through Dialynne, an Australian Shepherd.
The award is presented by Crufts and is one of the most prestigious titles in the world of dog shows.
The winners of the Best in Show title have been from a variety of breeds, but the current holder is an Australian Shepherd.
Here is a list of the first and current Best in Show winners:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prize for the Best in Show at Crufts?
The prize for Best in Show at Crufts is a modest £100-£200, but the real value lies in the prestige and potential earnings for breeders who rear puppies from winners, which can be in the thousands.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Best_in_Show_winners_of_Crufts
- https://crufts.org.uk/about-us/past-winners/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crufts
- https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/1578588/Crufts-best-in-show-winners-through-the-years-pictures-evg
- https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/national/uk-today/18292958.crufts-2020---full-results-including-best-show/
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