Crufts, widely recognised as the world’s greatest dog show, was held in NEC Birmingham last week, after a year off due to lockdowns. The winners really were the dog lovers of the world, who got to see more than 16,000 dogs perform. We’ve handpicked some of the cutest photos for you to enjoy.
The winners of some of the most popular categories included:
The biggest prize at each Crufts event is the ‘Best in Show’. It is awarded to the winning dog in the final event. This year the Best in Show was won by Baxer, a flat-coated retriever. He won against six other finalists. He was also awarded the main prize in the Gun Dog group earlier in the event. In an adorable show of discipline, he sat on the podium with his winner’s rosette award in his mouth and posed for photos after the win.
A Toy Poodle called Waffle (Afterglow Agent Orange) was awarded the reserve dog for Best in Show and Best Utility Dog.
He was on his victory lap with his owner Tom Isherwood, when he cocking his leg to take a wee on the Crufts green carpet grass.
In the voiceover from the telecast the host made a wisecrack for the crowd, “It’s a number one. Making his mark on the way in.”
The winner of the Working Dog group was the Siberian Husky – Akela, (Siberiadrift Keep The Love for Zimavolk JW ShCM).
The winner of the terrier category was the Irish terrier, ‘Adonis’.
The winner of the utility dog category was a toy poodle called Waffle (Afterglow Agent Orange).
By far the most popular performer was Joya the Chihuahua, who stole the show with her Swan Lake performance.
Joya danced gracefully alongside her owner, Joya Karin Baumann, who was dressed in a white tutu.
Unfortunately, Joya didn’t win any medals for her ballet performance, but she did in the hearts of watchers all over the world.
Finally, there were some great pictures of dogs in action, which we know is why we all watch Crufts.
Crufts has been running since 1891 as a dog show. It was first set up and is named after its founder, the late Charles Cruft.