Which dog breed has won Crufts more times than any other? Plus more fascinating facts about this world-famous dog show.
Crufts has been capturing hearts for 133 years. Beyond the glitz and glamour of this iconic event, we've unearthed a pack of paw-fectly formed facts and figures to celebrate our furry friends in all their show-ready glory.
From rare breeds to record-breaking international participation, read on to discover just what make Crufts the cherished spectacle that it is today:
Which dog breed has won the most Best in show the most times?
The Cocker Spaniel has won the most Best in Show titles, with seven wins, followed by the Irish Setter, Poodle and Welsh Terrier which have won on four occasions each.
How many different breeds have won Best in Show winners?
There have been 85 Best in Show winners, with 45 different breeds winning the title over the years.
Which breed won the first Best in Show?
The first Best in Show was won by a Greyhound.
What is the age of the oldest dog to win Best in Show?
The oldest dog to win Best in Show was a Flat Coated Retriever, Jet, aged 9 years and 7 months, in 2011.
What is the age of the youngest dog to win Best in Show?
The youngest dog to win Best in Show was a Bulldog, Chuckles, aged 1 year and 3 months, in 1952.
Have Best in Show winners ever been related?
Only one parent and offspring pair have won Best in Show at Crufts – Irish Setter sire and son in 1993 and 1999 respectively. Both had the same owner, Jackie Lorrimer.
Has anyone won Best in Show more than once?
A small number of exhibitors have won Best in Show at Crufts twice, but only one kennel has bred two winners. Mike Gadsby and Jason Lynn bred a Standard Poodle which won in 2014 and an American Cocker Spaniel which won in 2017. Both were handled and co-owned by Jason.
Crufts 2024 in numbers:
Leading the field with the largest individual breed entry is the great family favourite, the Golden Retriever, with an entry of 538 dogs. This is just ahead of the 2023 frontrunner the Labrador Retriever (519).
The most popular entries in each group by breed are:
- Gundog: Golden Retriever (538)
- Working: Newfoundland (176)
- Pastoral: Border Collie (288)
- Terrier: Staffordshire Bull Terrier (364)
- Hound: Whippet (395)
- Utility: Dalmatian (223)
- Toy: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (278)
The following four breeds, in addition to those mentioned above, have exceeded an entry of 250 or more for this year’s show:
- Cocker Spaniel (421)
- Flat Coated Retriever (349)
- Irish Setter (262)
- Rhodesian Ridgeback (251)
In contrast, the Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Foxhound has attracted 3 dogs each, while the Turkish Kangal Dog has 2 dogs entered, which highlights how the show is a true celebration of all dogs, from the well-known to the more unusual.
Competitors from 50 different overseas countries have entered Crufts this year.
Visiting the show?
- Buy tickets to visit this year's show.
Find out more about Crufts 2024
Don't miss out on the action at this year's show with our ultimate guide to Crufts 2024, enjoy looking through our pick of 40 heartwarming photos from Crufts and discover the most pampered pooches in the world. Plus, Australian shepherd dogs - Crufts 2024 Best in Show winning breed.
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