Scruffts

Lola Crowned Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year at Crufts 2025!

Lola, a one-year-old Whippet/Saluki/Collie cross, has stolen the nation’s hearts and trotted away with the Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year title at Crufts 2025! Owned by Bex Hall from Banbury, Oxfordshire, Lola wowed the judges with her charm, character, and incredible bond with her owner, securing the top spot in the UK’s favourite crossbreed competition, proudly supported by James Wellbeloved.

Overjoyed by the win, Bex said:
"I'm so happy, I’m so proud of her, I’ve cried a lot. Lola came into my life when I was struggling, after a difficult birth with my baby. I’d shut down and barely went out, but Lola changed everything. She’s given me a new lease of life.”

The competition was judged by actress and Hits Radio presenter Gemma Atkinson and dog judge Glenn Davies, who had the near-impossible task of choosing a winner from four incredible finalists. Gemma shared:
"They’ve all changed their owners’ lives in remarkable ways, but Bex’s story really touched me. As a mum who’s also had a traumatic birth, I know how much a dog can help you heal. Lola isn’t just a pet—she’s family."

Lola’s prize? As well as the coveted Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year title, she’ll be dining in style with a year’s supply of hypoallergenic dog food from James Wellbeloved!

James Wellbeloved Brand Manager, Sonja Hartomo, added:
"Huge congratulations to Lola and Bex! Their bond is truly special, and they are very deserving winners. We’re incredibly proud to support Scruffts and celebrate the nation’s wonderful crossbreed dogs."

Meet the Other Amazing Scruffts Finalists!

Lola may have taken home the Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year title at Crufts 2025, but she wasn’t the only superstar in the ring! Three other fabulous finalists made it through hundreds of hopefuls to compete in the grand final, each proving that crossbreeds have just as much charm, character, and charisma as their pedigree pals.

Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog – Chester
A Cocker Spaniel/Border Terrier cross, owned by Jody Hall from Bournemouth, Dorset, Chester had the crowd swooning with his dashing good looks and cheeky personality. He’s proof that charm and scruffiness make the perfect combo!

Good Citizen Dog Scheme Winner – Marnie
Owned by Lyn Freeman from Harlow, Essex, Marnie is a mixed breed who has shown exceptional training and impeccable manners. She’s a shining example of responsible dog ownership and a true ambassador for well-behaved crossbreeds everywhere!

Golden Oldie Crossbreed – Miley
A 10-year-old Labrador/Miniature Poodle cross, owned by Kevin Norcott from Newcastle, Miley may be a veteran, but she’s still got plenty of bounce in her step! This golden oldie has spent a decade spreading joy and love, proving that age is just a number.

The Scruffts competition, exclusively supported by James Wellbeloved, continues to celebrate the special bond between crossbreeds and their owners. While there could only be one overall winner, these three remarkable dogs are all champions in our eyes!

2025

• Actress Gemma Atkinson hails Crufts as the dog Olympics | The Argus
• Dog who gave mum 'new lease of life' wins at Crufts | BBC News
• Oxfordshire dog wins popular Crufts crossbreed competition | Kennel Club News
• Crossbreed dog's Scruffts trophy 'amazing' says owner | Radio Solent, BBC

2024

• Epilepsy assistance dog Diesel wins award at Crufts | BBC News
• Derbyshire dog wins popular Crufts crossbreed competition | Kennel Club News
• Chesterfield dog scoops award at Crufts show – after saving life of owner’s friend on several occasions | Derbyshire Times

2023

• Kent assistance dog wins Family Cross-breed of the Year title at this year's Scruffts | ITVX
• Kent dog wins popular Crufts crossbreed competition | Kennel Club News
• Assistance dog and devoted owner clinch coveted crossbreed crown | Wales Online

• Scruffts is a competition for crossbreed dogs only. (As of 1 April 2016, The Kennel Club has recognised the Jack Russell Terrier as a pedigree breed. Therefore Jack Russell Terriers who are fully registered with The Kennel Club will not be eligible for Scruffts)
• Dogs must be over 6 months of age to enter a Scruffts class
• 1st place winners in each class are eligible for the semi final at Crufts
• Dogs over 12 years of age who wish to enter the class golden oldie will be subject to the show organisers’ discretion
• Under the law docked dogs are not permitted to enter Scruffts
• Scruffts rosettes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each class. However, in the event of a 1st place winner not being able to attend the final, or having already qualified, then 2nd place winners will be invited to attend in their place
• Classes may be restricted to 40 per class, dependent on show organisers/ring programmes or other factors, including the weather
• It is Crufts regulation that dyed dogs are not permitted to compete at the show, therefore any dyed dogs entering any Scruffts heats would not be able to proceed further in the competition

No dog should compete in the Scruffts competition if it has been subject to a Court Control Order or a Contingent Destruction Order under the Dogs Act 1871 or the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act, or to any other equivalent and/or relevant dog control measure. A dog owner may be required to assist The Kennel Club in verification of this aspect from time to time.

No dog should be in attendance at a Scruffts heat where they fall under the criteria outlined within the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 for banned types, unless they have a valid Certificate of Exemption and comply with all government rules for legal ownership of a banned type - which includes ensuring that they are wearing a muzzle, kept on a lead, neutered and have third party liability insurance. Event organisers have the discretionary right to refuse a dog entry if they have concerns about a dog’s legal eligibility.

Payment will be taken on the day of the event with entry being £2 per class*. Due to restrictions, we will only be accepting 40 dogs per class.

Classes

• Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog (6 months – 8 years)
• Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch (6 months – 8 years)
• Golden Oldie Crossbreed (8+ years)
• GCDS Crossbreed Class (for entrants that have a GCDS certificate at any level)

*This does not cover entry to the event itself. Please see event websites below for entry information.

Heats are held throughout the year around the country, in search of crossbreeds with that extra special something. They’re supported by pet food makers James Wellbeloved.

• If your dog looks like they’re struggling in the heat, head to the nearest shaded area (this includes our marquee) and alert a member of the show organiser team. Owners should be aware of the signs of heat stress and how to keep your dog cool. Some dogs are more prone than others (e.g. those with short, flat faces, overweight, old or young dogs, as well as those with thick coats)
• Be aware of the signs of overheating in dogs, which include panting, disorientation, excessive thirst, dark gums, vomiting, diarrhoea and losing consciousness
• In the event that the events team and the trainers feel the conditions are not conducive to dogs’ welfare, we reserve the right to cancel the event at short notice