23/1/2025
Best in show: A look back at the last 5 winners
Crufts, the world’s greatest dog show, is the ultimate stage for celebrating of the incredible diversity, talent, and connection between dogs and their owners. Over the years, the competition for the coveted Best in Show title has seen a wide variety of breeds take centre stage, representing a true celebration of the diversity of dogs and handlers from all over the globe!
Let’s look back at the winners from the last five Crufts shows.
2019: Dylan (Planet Waves Forever Young Daydream Believers)
Dylan, a Papillon from Belgium, became the first of his breed to win Best in Show at Crufts. Competing in the Toy Group, Dylan impressed the judges with his elegance and lively personality.
His win was a proud moment for his owners, Kathleen Roosens and Jens Goessens, and certainly a historic achievement for the breed.
2020: Maisie (Ch Silvae Trademark)
Maisie, a 2.5-year-old Wire-haired Dachshund, won Best in Show in 2020, making history as the first Dachshund of any variety to win the award!
Representing the Hound Group, Maisie stood out for her confident attitude and rugged coat.
Owned by Duncan and Kim McCalmont, she brought home the title for the United Kingdom.
2022: Baxer (Almanza Backseat Driver)
After a year long break due to covid-19, Baxer, a 6.5-year-old Flat Coated Retriever from Norway, won Best in Show in 2022.
Competing in the Gundog Group, Baxer’s energy and elegance captured the judges’ attention.
Owned by Ragnhild Ulin, and his co-owner and handler, Patrick Oware, Baxer triumphed over more than 3,800 Gundogs to take the top spot and was the third Flat-Coated Retriever to win Best in Show, the last being in 2011.
2023: Orca (Am Gch Kan Trace Very Cheeky Chic)
In 2023, Orca, a Lagotto Romagnolo from Croatia, made history as the first of her breed to win Best in Show.
At nearly 5 years old, Orca competed in the Gundog Group and impressed judges with her curly coat and lively spirit, owned by Sabina Zdunić Šinković and Ante Lucin.
2024: Viking (Ch Brighttouch Drift The Line Through Dialynne)
Viking, a 3-year-old Australian Shepherd, won Best in Show in 2024. Representing the Pastoral Group, Viking stood out for his intelligence, agility, and stunning appearance.
Owned by Melanie Raymond, John Shaw, and Kerry Kirtley, Viking’s win was the first for his breed since 2006, competing against 167 other Australian Shepherds in 2024.
