Fans have been divided over the latest Best in Show winner at Crufts following this year’s final.
The annual international event concluded at Birmingham‘s National Exhibition Centre – also known as the NEC – today after the four-day show opened on Thursday. Over 18,000 dogs are said to have competed as part of the contest.
Seven dogs made it through to the final at the end of the weekend following previous rounds. It was later announced that Miuccia, a four-year-old Whippet from Italy, had been awarded Best in Show by judge Patsy Hollings in the final. It marks the fourth time that a Whippet has won the award.
Giovanni Liguori, introduced as Miuccia’s handler, said: “I am 100% overwhelmed! I couldn’t wish for anything more than this, it’s an incredible surprise. She moved beautifully, so I’m super super happy. It’s an honour to be the first Italian to win Best in Show at Crufts, it’s a very big emotion!”
Viking, a Tibetan Mastiff from Romania, placed as runner-up in the coveted category. The other finalists included Ana, a Jack Russell Terrier, and Liza, a Miniature Schnauzer. Sophia, a Papillon, Suzie, a Cocker Spaniel, and Shake, an Australian Shepherd, had also reached the final of Crufts 2025.
The result prompted reaction on social media from viewers at home. One fan said on X: “So pleased the Whippet won lovely Dog well deserved.” Another wrote: “Yay I’m so glad that the whippet won best in show. She looks stunning and her eyes. Always make me happy when I see a whippet win it.” A third said: “Beautiful whippet. Deserved the win.”
Not everyone was impressed with the decision over this year’s winner though. One person wrote: “The Tibetan Mastiff was robbed…” Another said: “I really wanted the Jack Russell to win.” A third said: “Haha the judge should of gone to @Specsavers The Jack Russell performed the best.” Also expressing disappointed was someone else who wrote in a post: “Should have been the Jack Russell. Absolutely a joke.”
The winner of Best In Show is said to receive prize money as well as a replica of the solid silver Keddall Memorial Trophy, in memory of former show manager Robert Keddell, as reported by BirminghamLive. A spokesperson for The Kennel Club – which organises Crufts – told the outlet: “The Best in Show winner receives prize money of £200. For the vast majority of breeders, it is about the prestige, not the money.”
Crufts – currently broadcast on Channel 4 – was founded in 1891 by Charles Cruft, who gave his name to the controversial dog show. It has been the subject of concern, including over dog breeding, from groups such as PETA over the years. There have also been several scandals in the event’s history.
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