Kervi, a six-year-old Border Collie, and her owner, Kathy Russell from Bromborough, Wirral, took home one of the top obedience prizes at Crufts on Saturday 11 March after winning the Obedience Championship (Bitches) final. The judge was Lou Jackson.
Kervi (Ob Ch Ruskath Klassified Image) came first in the final held at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, after competing against some of Britain’s best dogs for the coveted title. Kathy also secured second place with her ten-year-old Border Collie, Kafna (Ob Ch Sarkam Explicit Image for Ruskath), who is the mother of Kervi.
Proud owner Kathy said: “I am so proud of my girls Kafna and Kervi for both winning the most combined tickets during the Obedience competition in 2022.
“Obedience is all about training hard but not forgetting the most important element of being kind and motivating – for me that is through rewarding Kafna and Kervi.”
All competitors at the championships had made it through to the final after qualifying at one of the championship shows that were held last year.
Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts Show Manager said: “Very well done to Kervi and Kathy for their impressive Crufts win. Kervi demonstrated her obedience skills perfectly and their strong bond and teamwork were clear to see.“
Obedience competitors come from far and wide in the UK to showcase their skills at the show and the standard of dogs and their handlers who enter are always very impressive.”
Crufts took place from 9-12 March 2023 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.