Hertfordshire dog and owner become Crufts Obedience champions

Fuddle, a Golden Retriever/Border Collie cross and his owner Sue Monk from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, took home the top obedience prize at Crufts on Sunday 9 March, after winning the Obedience Championship (Dog) final. The judge was Sarah Delany.

Four-year-old Fuddle (Ob Ch Janjelly Fuddled Boy), 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.

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.

Proud owner Sue said: “I am absolutely over the moon with my special boy. Fuddle is a beautiful dog with a fabulous nature, who worked his socks off and enjoyed every minute of competing at Crufts. I’m still on cloud nine and keep reliving the special moment of being called as the winners. It’s a huge honour and a dream come true.”

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: “A huge congratulations to Fuddle and Sue for their impressive display in the ring today and their well-deserved win. Fuddle demonstrated excellent obedience skills, and the strong bond and teamwork between them was clear to see. 

“Obedience competitors travel from all over the UK to showcase their skills at Crufts, and the standard of dogs and handlers continues to be incredibly impressive.” 

Crufts took place between 6-9 March 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit Crufts website.  

BELGIAN SHEPHERD MALINOIS FROM CHESHIRE CROWNED GOOD CITIZEN PRE-BEGINNER OBEDIENCE STAKES WINNER AT CRUFTS 2025

Havoc, a one-year-old Belgian Shepherd Malinois from Altrincham, Cheshire, and his owner Sarah Kelly, has triumphed at Crufts by winning the Good Citizen Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes Competition on Saturday 8 March.

Havoc beat 30 other talented dogs to be crowned the winner of the 2025 Good Citizen Pre-Beginner Stakes competition at the world’s greatest dog show, with the final overseen by highly experienced judge, Frank Herron. This was the 20th year the final has been held at Crufts.

Speaking after their win, delighted Sarah said: “We’re absolutely over the moon to have won! We didn’t expect it at all – he has been competing for less than a year as he still isn’t two yet so I wasn’t sure how he would handle it. He wasn’t fazed at all though and wagged his tail the whole time – I’m not sure which of us enjoyed it the most!”

The Good Citizen Dog Training scheme (GCDTS) competition was first held in 2005 to encourage owners of dogs who have passed their GCDTS Bronze Award to take part in obedience competitions as a potential gateway into dog exhibition. The exercises included in the test are a combination of current GCDTS exercises and the Pre-Beginner Obedience test. Building on the basic training skills learnt through the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme, this stakes class helps to bridge the gap between basic training and entering a competition. Dogs must have obtained their Good Citizen Bronze Award prior to the closing date of the show.

Dogs competing in the final had to qualify at one of the 31 heats held across the country last year with the winner from each heat qualifying for the final.

Sue Garner, Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Working Party Chairman, added: “Congratulations to Havoc and Sarah who performed a first-class round, and demonstrated the skills they have learnt through the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme.

“The standard of competitors was very high so the pair should be proud of their achievement. The Pre-Beginner Stakes are a great way for dogs and owners to enter the obedience world and strengthen their bond – something that was clear to see with Sarah and Havoc, and I wish them luck in the future.”

To find out more about the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme visit the website gcds.org.uk

Crufts took place between 6 – 9 March 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.   

LABRADORS HAILED NATION’S MOST OBEDIENT BREED AFTER WINNING ‘OBREEDIENCE’ FINAL AT CRUFTS

A team of Labrador Retrievers won the Obreedience competition at the world’s biggest dog event, Crufts, on Thursday 6 March.

The Labrador team, named The Labrapaws, proved themselves more obedient than the nine other breed teams that made it to the final at Crufts, held at the NEC in Birmingham, which was judged by Jen Wyatt. The other finalists were as follows:

  • MRU – Manchester Terriers
  • The Golden Acorns – Golden Retrievers
  • Cool Cockers – Cocker Spaniels
  • The Supernovas – Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
  • The Russellers – Jack Russell Terriers
  • Spring It On – English Springer Spaniels
  • The Wagtails – Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
  • Dashastic – Dachshunds
  • Stafford Stars – Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Obreedience, an exciting team obedience competition, was introduced at Crufts 2014 as a special display event. Now in its eleventh year as an official competition, Obreedience continues to grow and entertain the crowds that come along to support their favourite breeds.

The winning team members were:

  • Alexandra Turner (team captain) with Tau (Tau Bonnievale at Jakkalsrooi) from Evesham, Worcestershire
  • Tracey Hinsley (team captain) with Purdey (Purdey Christmas Pudding) from Evesham, Worcestershire
  • Samantha Woods with Harley (Quinn Jet) from Bicester, Oxfordshire
  • Kaye Littlehales with Richie (Kaliture Appollo of Kayendor) from Wrexham, North Wales
  • Jane Hudson-Evans with Nell (Bredonedge Kite) from Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
  • Faith Woods with Raven (Raven Wings) from Bicester, Oxfordshire

The team’s captain Alexandra Turner said of the team win: “It’s amazing, we had amazing teamwork. All of our friends and fellow competitors were also brilliant and the camaraderie with us all was great. It’s a whole family here so it’s nice. This has been a long time coming, and I couldn’t even look at the scores, it was great.”

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: “Congratulations to all the owners and dogs of the Labrapaws team on their impressive win at Crufts! The team showcased an exceptional level of training and obedience, and the bond between each dog and their owner was evident.”

Each Obreedience team comprised four handlers and dogs, who took part in two rounds.  The first was a heelwork round completed as a group, with the dogs being assessed on their ability to complete different moves whilst remaining synchronised with their teammates. The second round featured four set exercises and each member needed to successfully complete one of the four different exercises. Points were deducted for any faults and the team with the most points won. The exercises were a retrieve (handler’s own article), a send to bed, stop the dog, and scent over articles.

For further details about Obreedience, please visit The Kennel Club website: thekennelclub.org.uk/obreedience.  

Crufts took place from 6 – 9 March 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.

KC News release: Border Collie from Warwickshire becomes Crufts Obedience champion

Lyric, an 11-year-old Border Collie and her owner, Mary Ray from Rugby, Warwickshire, took home the top obedience prize at Crufts on Saturday 8 March, after winning the Obedience Championship (Bitches) final. The judge was Sarah Delany.

Lyric (Ob Ch Sarkam Sings The Blues) 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. This is the second time the pair have won the Championship, having previously been awarded the title in 2022.

Proud owner Mary said: “Lyric is my very special girl, so I was thrilled to win with her for the second time. She is always happy and gives me her all.”

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.

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: “A huge congratulations to Lyric and Mary for their impressive display in the ring and their well-deserved win. Lyric demonstrated excellent obedience skills, and the strong bond and teamwork between them was clear to see.

“Obedience competitors travel from all over the UK to showcase their skills at Crufts, and the standard of dogs and handlers continues to be incredibly impressive.”

Crufts took place from 6-9 March 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.

CRUFTS INTERNATIONAL ENTRY AT ALL TIME HIGH

Crufts 2025 is set to welcome over 24,000 dogs at the NEC Birmingham from 6-9 March showcasing a wide variety of competitions and displays. The entry this year is over 18,500 dogs participating in breed, agility and obedience championship competitions over the four days of the event. 

Over 200 pedigree breeds will compete for the prestigious Best in Show title, which will be awarded live on Channel 4 on the evening of Sunday 9 March in the BP Pulse LIVE arena. This year there will be more TV coverage than ever before, with 19 hours of Crufts action broadcast across Channel 4 and More4.

Crufts continues to maintain its international flavour and this year has attracted more overseas entries than ever before – 3,952 dogs – with France leading the way with 475 dogs, just ahead of Germany (407), Netherlands (376) and Italy (360). Other countries to attract entries of 150 dogs or more are: Ireland (327), Poland (259), Belgium (213), Spain (174), Czech Republic (218) and Sweden (168).

For the first time, the Polish Hunting Dog will feature in the Discover Dogs area of the show as a newly recognised Kennel Club breed. The Golden Retriever has the largest entry for an individual breed with 509 dogs making 619 entries. The Labrador Retriever follows closely with 485 dogs making 586 entries.

The highest number of dogs in a single breed set to compete in each group are:

  • Terrier: Staffordshire Bull Terrier – 338
  • Hound: Whippet – 376
  • Utility: Dalmatian – 260
  • Toy: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – 290
  • Gundog: Golden Retriever – 509
  • Working: Bernese Mountain Dog – 159
  • Pastoral: Border Collie – 300
     

Additionally, the following breeds have dogs exceeding 250; Cocker Spaniel (418), Flat Coated Retriever (309), Irish Setter (266) and Shetland Sheepdog (257).

Celebrating 75 years of being televised, Channel 4 and More 4 will broadcast over 19 hours* of the event across the show’s four days; the details of times and channels are as follows:

THURSDAY 6 MARCH:

1500-1600 – Channel 4

1830-1930 – More4

1930-2100 – Channel 4

FRIDAY 7 MARCH:

1500-1600 – Channel 4

1830-1930 – More4

1930-2100 – Channel 4

SATURDAY 8 MARCH:

1400-1800 – Channel 4

1900-2100 – Channel 4

SUNDAY 9 MARCH:

1400-1800 – Channel 4

1900-2100 – Channel 4 Crufts 2025: Best in Show live.

(*Please note, times subject to change)
 

In addition to breed class judging, visitors can enjoy watching some of the world’s finest dogs and handlers in action across a range of disciplines including agility, obedience, heelwork to music, flyball and the popular hoopers display, returning for its second year.

The Obedience Championships for bitches will be held on Saturday, with dogs competing on Sunday. In Agility, the Intermediate and Large Championships take place on Thursday while the Small and Medium Championships are on the Sunday.

Other highlights in the BP Pulse LIVE arena include The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, celebrating dogs that provide lifetime service, support, love and devotion, and the final of the nation’s favourite crossbreed competition, Scruffts.

Tom Mather, Crufts Chairman, said: “We are delighted that the show continues to draw a large overseas entry, proving its worldwide appeal.

“Crufts would not be Crufts without our exhibitors. We thank everybody who has entered the show and look forward to welcoming all dogs and their owners who make Crufts such a wonderful event, whether it is those who have been loyally returning year after year, or those who are experiencing the show for the first time.

“Crufts offers something for everyone and the show is set to be a wonderful showcase of our much loved dogs, exciting canine activities and our fantastic and committed community.”

Click here to view a full list of entries in each breed.

For daily and Best in Show tickets, visit the Crufts website.

For details of TV coverage and live streaming from the show visit the how to watch Crufts page.

Crufts 2025 – Northern Ireland IR Team Application

Inter Regional Obedience Competition on Friday 7th March 2025

I have been appointed by Crufts Dog Show Committee to manage the Northern Ireland Inter Regional Team for Crufts 2025.

Please can you use this form to kindly list any places you have achieved (at Kennel Club (KC) shows only please) this will help with the selection. We will also have a selection day (one each in Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man) which will give you the opportunity to show off your dog and both things will be taken into account during selection. 

The 2025 Inter Regional team will consist of:

1 Beginner Dog

2 Novice Dogs

2 Class A Dogs

1 Class B Dog

1 Class C Dog

1 Beginner Reserve Dog

**Please note: The following breed restrictions apply to the Inter Regional Team.  The team may consist of:

  • a maximum of three BC/WSDs,
  • three Crossbreeds (one of which must not be a Collie/Working Sheepdog type)
  • and up to three any other single breed.

The tests for this event will be as per G regs for each class.

ELIGIBILITY DATE: 31st OCTOBER 2024

Team Manager: Helen Boyde

CRUFTS 2025 DATES FOR THE DIARY

Crufts 2025 will take place from the 6 – 9 March at the NEC, Birmingham. Groups are scheduled as follows:

6 March  –  Terrier and Hound

7 March  –  Toy and Utility

8 March  –  Gundog

9 March  –  Working and Pastoral

Online entries will open on 19 November, but in the meantime The Kennel Club would like to announce that the following competitions will take place at Crufts on these dates:

Thursday 6 March   

Crufts Novice Cup Agility

Crufts Agility Championship (large and intermediate height dogs)

Junior Warrant competition final

Breeders competition

Heelwork to Music competition

Young Kennel Club (YKC) Agility Jumping Cup

Flyball team competition – Last 16

Inter-Regional Rally competition

Obreedience competition

Friday 7 March 

Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling competition

Crufts Medium ABC/Intermediate and Large Novice ABC Agility

Crufts Singles Agility

Vulnerable Breeds competition

Flyball team competition – Last 16

Freestyle Heelwork to Music competition

Inter-Regional Obedience competition

Saturday 8 March

Crufts International Agility competition

Scruffts semi-finals and final

Freestyle Heelwork to Music International competition

YKC Agility Dog of the Year finals

Flyball – quarter finals (including YKC Finals)

Obedience Championships (Bitches)

Good Citizen Dog Training scheme Special Pre- Beginner Obedience Stakes Grand Final

Gamekeepers competition final

Sunday 9 March

Crufts Agility Championship (small and medium height dogs)

Flyball – semi-finals and finals

Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Special Pre- Beginner Obedience Stakes final for YKC members

Obedience Championship (Dogs)

The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award

Best in Show and presentation

Further competition times and events are still to be announced. Up-to-date information can be found at crufts.org.uk.

The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Special Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes – Crufts 2025 qualifiers (up to 31.07.24)

The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Special Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes – Crufts 2025 qualifiers (up to 31.07.24)

Thank you to everyone who has supported the heats. Congratulations to all the qualifiers to date.

KCGCDTS SPBOS Grand Final

List of qualifying teams up to 31.07.24 (in qualifying order)

Megan Hyndman & Twinan That’s Exactly Right -Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Jodie Parry & Susie Que of Valgrays – Crossbreed

Beatrice Rolf & Fressinghill Spitfire -Cocker Spaniel

Goldie Chandler & Wispa’s Magic Minstrel -Cocker Spaniel

Kelly Harris & Illori Camiyah -Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Janet Wilson & My Belladonna -Australian Kelpie

Jenny Howe & Howz that Axel -Chihuahua

Laura Lloyd & Iceni Queen -Crossbreed

Gayl Sadler & Somanic It’s Now or Never -Standard Poodle

Lisa Sergiew & Izzabella Tinkerbell -Shetland Sheepdog

Francessca Grimshaw & Miss Wizzabelle Wisp – Border Collie

Sarah Kelly & Ankercanis Gruffalo – Belgian Shepherd (Malinois)

Anika Mckenzie & Hawkenhurst Road to Morrocco – Labrador

Diane Bruce & Johnasta Jus Chalkie Among Launatzarben -Papillion

Jo Town & Eanie Meanie My Boy Mo -Miniature Poodle

Nick Burchell & Oryxes Kissing The Waves On Tivalake (Imp Can) -Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Ruth Braithwaite & Martha Mendips – WSD

Michelle Bean & Lightning Lex – WSD

Katy Green & Messano Mister Ed – Golden Retriever

KCGCDTS SPBOS Final for YKC Members

List of qualifying teams up to 31.07.24 (in alphabetical order)

Leela Craig-Thompson & Traethdu Thebe -Cocker Spaniel

Lilah Dunlop & Peggy Power – Crossbreed

Katy Green & Messano Mister Ed – Golden Retriever

Francessca Grimshaw & Miss Wizzabelle Wisp -Border Collie

Kiera Leslie & Stripehead Impact -Wirehaired Visla

Bonnie Lloyd & Bonnie’s Biscuit – Cocker Spaniel

Kelsey McHenry & Night Flight -Border Collie

Anika Mckenzie & Hawkenhurst Road to Morrocco -Labrador

Reuben Parrish & Epsilon Clara Stelo -Crossbreed

Reuben Parrish & Proserpina Yamari -Border Collie

Beatrice Rolf & Fressinghill Spitfire -Cocker Spaniel

Beatrice Rolf & Pippilotta Starflight -Crossbreed

Chloe Sissons & Simbella The Great – Labrador

The Grand Final will take place at Crufts on Saturday 8th March 2025 and the Final for YKC members on Sunday 9th March 2025. Both finals will be held in the GCDTS ring Hall 3, NEC, Birmingham, West Midlands.

For further information about the heats please email gcds@thekennelclub.org.uk

Crufts 2024 South East & East Anglia Inter Regional Obedience Team Applications

TRY-OUT DATES AND VENUES FOR South East & East Anglia Team

Inter-Regional Obedience COMPETITION CRUFTS 2023

We have chosen two venues & dates in different parts of the SE&EA area for the try-outs and hope that all potential entrants will be able to get to one or other of the venues.

TRY OUT 1 is on Saturday 4th November 2023, starting 9.30am at:

Knowl Hill Village Hall
 (Thames D.T.C Hall)

           The Terrace                                                                                               

          Bath Road

           Maidenhead

           RG10 9XB

TRY OUT 2 is on Sunday 12th November 2023, start 9.30am at:                                2

           Pebmarsh Village Hall (Halstead D.O.C. Hall)                          1                                                                          

           The Street

            Pebmarsh

            Halstead

            Essex

            CO9 2NG                                                                                                        

THE FINAL SELECTION DATE AND VENUE

At the above two try-out days a number of handlers and breeds will be invited to attend a final    selection day when the SE&EA team will be chosen.

This will be held on Saturday 9th December 2023, start 10.00am at:

           Flaunden Hall

            89, Birch Lane

            Flaunden (Near Bovingdon)

            Hemel Hempstead

            Hertfordshire

            HP3 0PW