Candid photos by Vince Hogan unless otherwise noted

The international stars were on the move at Crufts 2025, with five of the seven groups won by dogs from outside the U.K. Topping the lot was a very popular winner in the shape of the Whippet Miuccia (Ch/Int/Multi Ch Una Donna Che Conta), who became our new Best in Show winner after four days of hectic competition on the famous green carpet.

This four-year-old dog stole the hearts of many in the packed NEC Arena and thousands watching on TV, as handler Giovanni Liguori and Miuccia were cheered on all the way at the world’s most famous dog show. Yorkshire-based all-round judge Patsy Hollings had the ultimate honor of sorting out our final group winners on Sunday night after four very busy days at the Birmingham event, and loved every second of her appointment.

The Best in Show-winning Whippet with her handler Giovanni Liguori.

This is the fourth time a Whippet has won Crufts, and delighted handler Giovanni Liguori admitted to being “100 percent overwhelmed”: “I couldn’t wish for anything more than this — it’s an incredible surprise,” he said. “She moved beautifully, so I’m super happy. It’s an honor to be the first Italian to win Best in Show at Crufts — it’s a very big emotion!”

Continuing the Italian connection, the Reserve Best in Show position was filled by the Tibetan Mastiff Viking, who is from Romania but handled by Gabriele Stafuzza of Italy. This is the first time the breed has taken a group at Crufts, much to the delight of group judge Tan Nagrecha. There was much pride and support for the Romanian dog and a complete online meltdown for Italian dog lovers!

“I have no words, just emotion,” proud handler Gabriele said. “I want to feel all the emotion in this moment. He’s an amazing dog, and he’s given a lot to us this year.”

The main ring.

ITALIAN PRIDE

Dino Muto, president of ENCI, the Italian Kennel club, was at the show for two days and said with pride after the wins: “At Crufts 2025, the Italian dogs are stars! With the affirmation of the Best in Show of the Whippet,Miuccia, bred by Enrico De Gaspari, owned by Alessia Corradini and expertly handled by Giovanni Liguori, and the excellent placement of the Jack Russell Terrier ‘Anna,’ bred by Salvatore Sgura and Graziana Mita in great harmony with Andrea Vallerini, who handled him, to the Maltese Cinecittà Oliver Stone bred by Franco Prosperi, who achieved second place in the Toy Group, confirms the high standard of Italian breeding that is now recognized globally.

“On behalf of the entire board of directors, I congratulate you on the well-deserved success, shared also with all the breeders who have represented the high quality of Italian breeders and exhibitors. It’s not less appropriate to emphasize the great professionalism of our Gabriele Stafuzza, who with the BIS reserve also shows our high standards.”

Italians did very well at Crufts!

RECORD OVERSEAS ENTRY

Crufts this year achieved a record entry of overseas dogs and has therefore further expanded its international reach. The total number of dogs entered was 18,578, with more than a fifth (3,952) coming from outside the U.K.; that in itself was a record number, showing the popularity of the show with the famous green carpet! American dogs racked up a total of 44 entries, while the most overseas dogs came from France with 475. Germany provided 407 dogs, and the Italians brought 360 dogs, many of which took top awards, like Sonia Merati with Best of Breed in Standard Poodles. Michael Canalizo flew the flag for the U.S., as he judged the breed close to his heart, the Afghan Hound.

The other five finalists all had their supporters on Sunday night: Ana the Jack Russell Terrier, also from Italy; Liza the Miniature Schnauzer from Croatia handled by Ante Lucin; Sophia the Papillon (from England, may I say!); Suzie the Cocker Spaniel from Scotland, and Shake, an Australian Shepherd from France, but handled by last year’s winning handler, Melanie Raymond.

The main ring bathed in blue!

I heard some grumbles from Brits about the takeover by overseas dogs, but there is no escaping the fact that Crufts NEEDS the international entry, which brought in around $200,000 in entry fees. And isn’t it better to beat top dogs from around the world, not just the same dogs you see week in and week out at U.K. shows? The 400-plus trade stands at the show also welcomed the shopping-hungry visitors from abroad.

SPRING LIKE

The show in the past has endured rain, wind and even deep snow, but this year we were blessed with spring-like blue skies and pleasant sunshine. Exhibitors could exercise their dogs around the grassy areas of the NEC while basking in unusually warm conditions for this time of year. In fact, at the after-show party, Crufts Chairman Tom Mather reported a gate of around 156,000, which perhaps could have been higher if the weather had been a little more inclement.

Traditionally the TV coverage rarely meets the expectations of exhibitors and breeders, and judging by comments on social media, this year seemed to be no exception. The U.K. coverage by Channel 4 didn’t seem to match up with the ultra-professional coverage for an event like Westminster, for example.

Best in Show judge Patsy Hollings ringside with husband Steven just after her judging was completed.

Social media in the U.K. carried comments like, “Too much flyball on the television!” and “TV coverage so disappointing ... again. All those hours of TV resulting in a minimal amount of coverage of what Crufts once stood for. Showcasing the best of pedigree dogs!”
Another one added, “All I want is to watch dogs. Crufts dog show, the clue is in the name! More show dogs, please. Less about training or feeding; just let us see the beautiful dogs, not beautiful people!”

However, on the press-exposure side reaching the general public, there were more than 3,500 pieces of coverage of the show achieved in just the four days of the show. Crufts was prominently covered in all national newspapers, including the front pages of the Times and the Guardian, and across all major national TV news shows. Social media reach included YouTube views doubling over last year and watch time tripling. The YouTube channel does of course cater to more aspects of the show with commentary by Frank Kane, who will be back in the U.S. judging Bassets at the national next December. Unlocking a new modern audience, TikTok views have hit 8.5 million.

You will never please everyone, but it would be a positive step if some of these viewers could be converted to become exhibitors at other Championship shows in the U.K. throughout the year. Show entries in the U.K. need a boost, as do registrations, so let’s hope Crufts works its magic to convert dog lovers to dog-show people as well!

ROUND-UP

There was so much going on in the five halls plus the main arena, which seats around 7,000 people — the whole vibe was buzzing!

Flyball, agility, obedience, show rings, grooming demos (for the first time), Discover Dogs … Crufts is the ultimate canine extravaganza, with two royal visits, police-dog display teams, gamekeeper events and even an opera singer on the final night.

Access to the main arena is largely free of charge, with the exception of the final day after 3 p.m., and BIS time.

The chief stewards team.

Shopping is a key aspect for many people, who circulate around the many stands when not showing. This year we seemed to have an excess of dog-food companies as well as new stands to be checked out. One such stand and sponsor was the U.S.-based Tavo Pets with its innovative car-seat system and carriers for dogs and cats. Hall 3 and 3 A is home to all the major sponsors, some of whom were presenting the prizes in competitions for Top Dog and Top Breeder (Royal Canin), Top Puppy (Purina), Top Brood Bitch (James Wellbeloved) and Top Stud (Petplan). Eukanuba had its usual large stand set up close to the Young Kennel Club and events ring in Hall 3.

OTHER AWARDS

Eight-year-old Baloo, a retired police dog, was the winner of The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award competition.

Foxy, an 11-year-old Border Collie, and her owner, Lucy Heath from Grantham, Lincolnshire, won the Heelwork to Music final. Foxy and Lucy beat nine other finalists to win the final on Thursday.

Tozie, a two-year-old Irish Wolfhound owned by Debbie Tebbutt and handled by husband Roger, won the grand finale of The Kennel Club Vulnerable British and Irish Native Breeds competition on the Friday. The competition helps raise awareness of rare native breeds whose annual puppy registrations stand at fewer than 300, thus leaving them at risk of disappearing in the U.K. Irish Wolfhounds registered just 165 puppies in 2024.

Rachel Salter's team of Bearded Collies won the ultimate breeder’s title, beating 39 other breeders who qualified for the final. The Breeder Stakes are growing in the U.K., but have not reached the heights of the same classes in Scandinavia, for example. Reserve best breeder went to Chris and Cheryl Satherley from Staffordshire with their team of Silkcroft Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.

The World Dog Show is coming soon and the flying Finns were in town.

The World Show this year will be in Helsinki in August, and there were many visitors from Finland, including Kimmo Mustonen, chairman of the organizing committee and also the judge of the International Junior Handling, which took place on Friday with finals in the main ring.

INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HANDLING

An 18-year-old junior handler named Julie Erikson with a Pointer called Arthur (Clamerkin Jubilee Fly Past For Corotine) won the Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling final under Kimmo. The pair, from Norway, were awarded first place on Friday evening.

International Junior Handling runner-up Soleile Huikeshoven, judge Kimmo Mustonen, James Skinner and Marina White from The Kennel Club. Photo BeatMedia,The Royal Kennel Club.

Third-place junior Lila Holberg pictured with judge Kimmo Mustonen of Finland, Marina White and James Skinner of The Kennel Club. Photo Beat Media.

Runner-up was 14-year-old Soleile Huikeshoven, from a famous dog family from the Netherlands; Soleile was handling a Doberman called Carice (Shalissa’s Perfect Blend JW). Third place was Lila Holberg representing the U.S., handling a Pointer called Toggi (Sharnphilly Toggi with Hookwood).

Other countries making up the top ten included Deana Musolino from Australia, Zara Valić from Croatia, Giorgia Giuliano from Italy, Dija Maksimaviciute from Lithuania, Maria Flores Ribeiro from Portugal, Kateryna Velichenko from Ukraine and Ellie Darling-Steele from the U.K.

International Junior Handling final. Photo Marina White, The Royal Kennel Club.

Thirty-eight junior handlers between 12 and 19 of age from around the world took part in the prestigious final, which showcased their handling skills and breed expertise with a dog they only met that morning. Organizers included Liz Cartledge with Marina White and James Skinner.

“I’m absolutely overwhelmed — it was totally unexpected,” winner Julie Erikson said. “So grateful to the judge for appreciating my handling and for the organizers for arranging this wonderful event. This win means everything, and I’m overjoyed with how the young Pointer I got performed — he truly did an amazing job, and his dedication and effort made him the best team player. This was such a rewarding experience, and I’m beyond happy!”

So good that we have young people coming through, but only two boys out of the entry of 38!

Come on, guys!

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU SAY ABOUT CRUFTS?

Tom Mather (above), chairman of the Crufts committee speaking after the show said, “What a fabulous four days we’ve enjoyed at Crufts 2025. We were blessed with great weather and plenty of sunshine: The happy atmosphere was tangible as I walked around the halls and arena.  The show attracted in excess of 150,000 visitors, and I would wager there were plenty of sore feet on Sunday night.

“We were honored to welcome the president of the Royal Kennel Club, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent GCVO, to the show on Saturday, and I know he genuinely enjoyed his visit. We were also pleased to host HM Queen Sofia of Spain, who spent three days at the show. Her Majesty is a great dog lover and has bred Lhasa Apso, and currently has Miniature Schnauzers and Maltese.

Prince Michael of Kent made a presentation to the Gundog Group Judge Kathy Moores.

“Huge thanks go to the U.K. and overseas exhibitors for providing us with a wonderful entry. Both the Toy and the Gundog group winners were from the U.K., but it was the beautiful Whippet from Italy who took the top spot, with Reserve BIS going to the very handsome Tibetan Mastiff from Romania.

“The show couldn’t happen without the legion of volunteers, who work so hard during set-up and throughout the show. Some have glamorous roles in the main ring whilst other are handing out poo bags at 6 a.m. in the car parks — you all play an invaluable role in making Crufts a success, and on behalf of the Crufts Show Committee I give you my sincere thanks.

“The marvelous Royal Kennel Club staff are the real backbone of the show, and their professionalism, hard work and good humor make it a pleasure to work with them.

“As you can guess, plans are well underway for Crufts 2026, and I sincerely hope that you will be able to join us then.”

Us and them! The press pack at Best in Show time.

To summarize these last few hectic, crazy days for dog people all over the world, one online post took my eye, saying, “Amazing experience! Lovely dogs! Congratulations to all the winners! Huge admiration for the rest of the attendees as well — for the dedication, hard work and passion it takes to get there and prepare their dogs to shine in the ring. It was truly inspiring to witness!”

Says it all, really! Only 350 days to Crufts 2026!

GROUP WINNERS

Group photos by Paul Scanlon. BIS photo by Alan Seymour.

Best in Show and Hound Group

Whippet Int/Multi Ch Una Donna Che Conta Euw23, owned by Alessia Corradini and handled by Giovanni Liguori. With group judge Moa Persson and Kennel Club Vice Chairman Paul Eardley presenting the award.

Reserve Best in Show and Working Group

Tibetan Mastiff Dzhozias Viking, owned by Vasi Molnar and handled by Gabriele Stafuzza. With group judge Tan Nagrecha and Chief Constable Craig Guildford of West Midlands Police, who presented the award.

Terrier Group

Jack Russell Terrier Totgree’s Hannabell, owned by Salvatore Sgura. With group judge Andrew Westwood, handler Andrea Vallerini, Salvatore Sgura and Bill Lambert in his final year representing The Kennel Club.

Utility Group

Miniature Schnauzer Aidante Georgia On My Mind Jw23 Ww23/24, owned by Ante Lucin and Javier Gonzalez Mendikote and handled by Ante. With group judge Ann Ingram and Prof. Peter Bedford presenting.

Toy Group

Papillon Ch Gleniren Miracle Starmaker, owned by Irene and Glenn Robb, pictured with group judge Tony Allcock OBE.

Gundog Group

English Cocker Spaniel Sh Ch Zheridons Blanche, owned by David Todd and M.D. Rahman. With group judge Kathy Moores and Nicky Ackerly Kemp presenting.

Pastoral Group

Australian Shepherd Shepherds of Paradise Tsss Milk Shake Please! owned by Perrine Laroche and handled by Melanie Raymond. With group judge Kevin Young and KC board member Alison Scutcher presenting.