Gundogs make history at Crufts

Clumber spaniel takes top honour

A Clumber spaniel won the prized Best in Show award for the first time in 35 years, while a yellow Labrador with more than 60 days’ picking up behind him took home top honours from the BASC gamekeeper classes at Crufts on 8 March.

Bruin (Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist), a four-year-old Clumber from Somerset owned, bred and handled by Lee Cox, won the Gundog Group before going all the way to the final at the NEC, Birmingham, judged by Tamás Jakkel of Hungary.

One of 18,600 dogs competing across four days, Bruin beat six other group winners to take the title. Mr Cox called him “the dog of a lifetime”, though conceded he was something of a diva. “He likes his own way,” he said, “but he’ll never ever let me down.” The final was broadcast live on Channel 4.

.

Working gundogs shine in BASC classes

Meanwhile, the BASC gamekeeper classes, restricted to actively working gundogs, had their own champion.

Clyde (Tricymoedd Snipes Whisper), a four-year-old yellow Labrador from Wales owned by gamekeeper Harry Lewis and handled by Amber Williams, took the Northesk Memorial Trophy. The judges said they had been won over by his athleticism, type and temperament.

“He is just brilliant, both in the shooting field and in the show ring,” said Ms Williams. “He had a fabulous season and was out nearly every day. He absolutely loves it.”