Manchester Terriers hailed nation's Most Obedient Breed after winning 'Obreedience' final at Crufts

A team of Manchester Terriers won the Obreedience competition at the world’s biggest dog event, Crufts, on Thursday 5 March.

The team, named ‘MRU’, proved themselves more obedient than the ten other breed teams that made it to the final at Crufts, held at the NEC in Birmingham. The other finalists were:

• Stafford Stars, Tracey Robbins (team captain)
• The Russellers, Sian Rees (team captain)
• Diamonds In The Rough, Jane Spendelow (team captain)
• The Labrapaws, Alexandra Turner (team captain)
• Spring it On, Violet-Mae Murch (team captain)
• Dachtastic, Lillie Abbott (team captain)
• Super Staffords, Kelly Harris (team captain)
• The Wagtails, Sue Pinkham (team captain)
• Cool Cockers, Heather Gardner (team captain)

Obreedience, an exciting team obedience competition, was introduced at Crufts 2014 as a special display event. Now in its twelfth year as an official competition, Obreedience continues to grow and entertain the crowds that come along to support their favorite breeds.

The winning team members were:

• Brenda Harrison (team captain) from Congleton
• Chris Harrison with Teal (Magpiebank Teal) from Congleton
• Ann Harrison with Ash (Ch Magpiebank Ash) from Congleton
• Judy Thurlow with Tilda (Erkenwyne Silver Seraph) from Clacton on Sea
• Chrissie Bynam with Nora (Mimbre It’s Norti Nora at Ceebee) from Southhampton

Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of the Royal Kennel Club, said: “Congratulations to all the owners and dogs of the MRU team on their impressive win at Crufts! The team showcased an exceptional level of training and obedience, and the bond between each dog and their owner was evident.”

Each Obreedience team comprised four handlers and dogs, who took part in two rounds. The first was a heelwork round completed as a group, with the dogs being assessed on their ability to complete different moves whilst remaining synchronised with their teammates. The second round featured four set exercises and each member needed to successfully complete one of the four different exercises. Points were deducted for any faults and the team with the most points won. The exercises were a retrieve (handler’s own article), a send to bed, stop the dog, and scent over articles.

For further details about Obreedience, please visit the Crufts website.

Crufts took place from 5 – 8 March 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.