A Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen called Jilly was tonight crowned Best in Show at Crufts.
Jilly, owned by Sara and Gavin Robertson from Wallingford in Oxfordshire, beat more than 20,000 dogs over the four-day competition to take the coveted title.
The canine was one of seven dogs competing in the arena for Best in Show at the NEC in Birmingham tonight, each having been awarded Best of Breed and then Best in Group in previous rounds.
Jilly, aged four, was awarded the first place rosette after being assessed by a Kennel-club approved judge.
The judges watched the dogs take their lap of honour and marked them for their overall health and condition, coat, character, temperament, movement and how close they matched up to the Kennel Club Breed Standard.
The reserve Best in Show title went to a three-year-old Labrador Retriever called Romeo from Cesara in Italy owned by Franco Barberi.
A three-legged stray dog which has helped to turn around the life of a seven-year-old boy with a rare genetic disease was won the Friends for Life award.
Haatchi, an Anatolian Shepherd dog, lost a leg after being deliberately tied to a railway line and struck by a train.
The dog from Basingstoke, Hampshire, had to have a its left hind leg and tail amputated because they were severely damaged leg after the ordeal.
Just one month after his near death experience he joined the family of Owen Howkins.
Owen has a rare genetic condition called Schwartz-Jampel Syndrome, which causes his muscles to be permanently tense.
The youngster, who was withdrawn and painfully shy, now has a new found confidence thanks to his beloved dog.
He fundraises for a range of charities with Haatchi and enjoys socialising on dog walks and at dog shows.
Haatchi was up against four other dogs for the title of Friends for Life, all selected for their outstanding bravery and devotion to their owners.
He beat off competition from contenders such as the Birmingham-based police dog involved in more than 285 arrests.
The Anatolian Shepherd dog won after receiving the most votes from the public.
Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said: 'One of my favourite competitions is Friends for Life.
'Each year we hear amazing stories of how dogs have helped people pull through illnesses, given those with disabilities a new lease of life or worked with search teams to rescue those in need.'
Miss Kisko lauded Crufts as the 'best dog show in the world'.
She said: 'The fact that dog owners continue to come in their thousands to celebrate their dogs on the world's most famous dog stage is testament to what a special place Crufts holds in the hearts of dog lovers throughout the world.'
The Kennel Club estimates that around 145,000 people visited the four-day celebration of all things canine, including contests to assess agility, heelwork and other disciplines.
A record 2,131 dogs were registered, with 13 new breeds making their debuts in the breed-judging, gamekeepers' classes and obedience championships.
The 13 new breeds which competed for the first time this year included the Basset Bleu de Gascogne, Bavarian Mountain Dog, Beauceron, Bergamasco, Catalan Sheepdog, Cirneco Dell'Etna and Eurasier.
Jilly, owned by Sara and Gavin Robertson from Wallingford in Oxfordshire, beat more than 20,000 dogs over the four-day competition to take the coveted title.
The canine was one of seven dogs competing in the arena for Best in Show at the NEC in Birmingham tonight, each having been awarded Best of Breed and then Best in Group in previous rounds.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Jilly, pictured with owner Gavin Robertson after winning Best in Show at Crufts
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The judges watched the dogs take their lap of honour and marked them for their overall health and condition, coat, character, temperament, movement and how close they matched up to the Kennel Club Breed Standard.
Pooch smooch: Gavin Robertson from Wallingford,
Oxfordshire, with his dog Jilly the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen who won
best in show
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A three-legged stray dog which has helped to turn around the life of a seven-year-old boy with a rare genetic disease was won the Friends for Life award.
Haatchi, an Anatolian Shepherd dog, lost a leg after being deliberately tied to a railway line and struck by a train.
Seven-year-old Owen Howkins who has a rare
genetic disorder gained confidence when he met his pet dog Haatchi, who
won the Friend for Life award
|
Seven-year-old Owen Howkins holds the trophy at Crufts after his dog Haatchi won the Friends for Life award
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Owen has a rare genetic condition called Schwartz-Jampel Syndrome, which causes his muscles to be permanently tense.
The youngster, who was withdrawn and painfully shy, now has a new found confidence thanks to his beloved dog.
He fundraises for a range of charities with Haatchi and enjoys socialising on dog walks and at dog shows.
Haatchi was up against four other dogs for the title of Friends for Life, all selected for their outstanding bravery and devotion to their owners.
He beat off competition from contenders such as the Birmingham-based police dog involved in more than 285 arrests.
The Anatolian Shepherd dog won after receiving the most votes from the public.
Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said: 'One of my favourite competitions is Friends for Life.
'Each year we hear amazing stories of how dogs have helped people pull through illnesses, given those with disabilities a new lease of life or worked with search teams to rescue those in need.'
Miss Kisko lauded Crufts as the 'best dog show in the world'.
She said: 'The fact that dog owners continue to come in their thousands to celebrate their dogs on the world's most famous dog stage is testament to what a special place Crufts holds in the hearts of dog lovers throughout the world.'
Dog lovers from 41 countries, from as far afield as Hong Kong, India, Indonesia and Malaysia, took part in this year's Crufts.CRUFTS: A HISTORY
Crufts was founded by Charles Cruft.
The inaugural show attracted 2,437 entries to the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington in 1891.
The coveted Best in Show was first awarded in 1928 to a greyhound called Primley Sceptre, and the show was first televised in 1950.
The prize of Best in Show has been won by 42 different breeds with the English Cocker Spaniel being named won Best in Show seven times.
Irish Setters and Welsh Terriers have each won on four occasions.
The Kennel Club estimates that around 145,000 people visited the four-day celebration of all things canine, including contests to assess agility, heelwork and other disciplines.
A record 2,131 dogs were registered, with 13 new breeds making their debuts in the breed-judging, gamekeepers' classes and obedience championships.
The 13 new breeds which competed for the first time this year included the Basset Bleu de Gascogne, Bavarian Mountain Dog, Beauceron, Bergamasco, Catalan Sheepdog, Cirneco Dell'Etna and Eurasier.