Day one of Crufts saw the first two dogs win their place in the Best in Show Final on Sunday evening.
Frankie, a Miniature Poodle won the Utility Group title and Pablo, A Bichon Frisé originally from Spain won the Toy Group title at Crufts yesterday (Thursday 5th March).
Frankie (Ch Minarets Best kept Secret) four, will return to the Crufts arena on Sunday with his owner, Melanie Harwood. Melanie is a third-generation breeder for Poodles, with Frankie previously winning Reserve Best in Show at Crufts in 2017.
Pablo (Ch Regina Bichon You Rock My World at Pamplona), two years old, will return on Sunday with his handler Michael Coad, who co-owns Pablo with Rich Smith.
Michael Coad has previously handled a number of successful dogs including the Crufts 2000 Bets in Show winner, Mike, a Kerry Blue Terrier.
Almost 20,000 dogs are competing over the four days for one of seven places in the Crufts final and a chance to win the most celebrated title in the world of dogs.
Proud handler Melanie said: “Frankie is such a great dog to show and he’s coming to the end of his show career so to win at this level again, I am proud of him and I’m proud to do this for my mum and my grandmother. To win the best of breed is an amazing achievement to represent that breed and win the group is crazy. We’ll just go into Best in Show and enjoy it.”
Michael Coad said: “I’m thrilled, I’m over the moon, I’m very very happy. He got the best of breed here last year as well, and it’s twenty years since the Kerry Blue. Pablo has a fabulous personality and he loves to show and he never ever lets us down. Every win is great, every win is a buzz.”
Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts Show Secretary said: “Crufts celebrates healthy, happy dogs and recognises the special and unique bond between dogs and their owners. Pablo and Michael clearly have a very strong bond and their shared confidence in the show ring impressed the judges. The final on Sunday evening is set to be very exciting and we want to wish them the best of luck.”
People around the world will be watching to see which dog is crowned Best in Show on Sunday evening as the final is shown live on Channel 4 and streamed on the official Crufts YouTube Channel – www.youtube.com/crufts
