By Rachel Walker
An Italian Whippet named Miuccia has won the coveted Best in Show award at this year’s Crufts dog show in Birmingham.
The annual event is a huge draw for canine enthusiasts and breeders alike, with four-year-old Miuccia beating out more than 18,000 dogs for the coveted title.
And while the award comes with a handy cash prize of £200, the prestige is the real honour.
Biggest dog show in the world
Crufts, held annually over four days in March at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre, is the largest show of its kind in the world and has been running continuously since 1891.
The Best in Show competition was introduced in 1928, when a Greyhound named Primley Sceptre was crowned champion.
This year, Miuccia won the Hounds group before beating out six other group winners to claim the title of ‘top dog’.
Miuccia makes history
It is the fourth time that a Whippet has won Best in Show at Crufts but the first time an Italian dog has been the winner.
“It’s really a dream come true,” said her handler Giovanni Liguori.
“I am truly overwhelmed. Miuccia performed her best.
“I absolutely adore her; she is the sweetest dog. She always wants to be super close to me and that’s the most important thing.”
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Controversy dogs the result
Some viewers have, however, taken to social media to complain that the fan favourite Jack Russell, Ana, was ‘robbed’ of the title.
The two-year-old, also from Italy interestingly enough, stole the hearts of many after winning the Terrier group title.
One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote: “JRT should have won it. Shocking decision.”
Another said: “Haha the judge should have gone to Specsavers. The Jack Russell performed the best.”
Who knew dog shows could get so woof?
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