Viking the Australian shepherd has been named as Crufts Best in Show at the conclusion of the four-day event in Birmingham.
Three year-old Viking (Ch Brighttouch Drift The Line Through Dialynne) is co-owned by Melanie Raymond, John Shaw and Kerry Kirtley from Solihull and is the second Australian shepherd to win the Best in Show title.
More than 19,000 dogs from around the world competed at the Birmingham NEC over four days for the seven places in the Crufts 2024 Best in Show final. The other six finalists were: Elton, a French bulldog; Raffa, a papillon; Hendricks, a Weimaraner; Neville, a Leonberger; Zen, a Jack Russell terrier and Getme, a Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand). Zen, co-owned by Hiroshi Tsuyuki and Kao Miichi from Japan, was named Reserve Best in Show.
Viking’s win, chosen by top judge Ann Ingram, was captured live on Channel 4. Handler and co-owner Melanie Raymond said: “Pinch me! This is everyone’s dream. Crufts is the one we all want to win!
“My grandma started showing with Beagles and I feel like I’ve accomplished something she never managed – I’m hoping she is looking down on me.”
Helen Kerfoot, Crufts show manager, added: “Tonight’s final was a fitting end for another fantastic year at Crufts.
“Congratulations to Viking who saw this year’s competition end on a real high, taking the prestigious Best in Show award alongside his handler, Melanie. It has been fantastic to watch their strong relationship together in the ring, and they are very deserving winners.
“All of the dogs and their owners and handlers should be incredibly proud to have taken part in such a momentous final – it really is an incredible achievement, and one we are sure they’ll treasure for years to come.”
