After four momentous days, Maisie, a Wire-Haired Dachshund was crowned Best in Show at Crufts on Sunday (8 March).
In a packed arena, Maisie who is two years old and her owner, Kim McCalmont from Berkeley, Gloucestershire were cheered on as they were chosen by top judge, Anne Macdonald.
Maisie’s win is the first ever for a Dachshund, which was captured live on Channel 4 in a programme hosted by Clare Balding, and watched online around the world by millions of dog lovers.
Almost 20,000 pedigree dogs from around the world competed at the Birmingham NEC over four days for just seven places in the Crufts 2020 Best in Show final.
The other six finalists were Frankie the Miniature Poodle, Pablo the Bichon Frise, Elsie the Irish Setter, Drago the Bullmastiff, Zokni the Old English Sheepdog and Pixie the Kerry Blue Terrier.
As a breed, the Dachshund is a firm favourite with the British public. It is the only type of dog which comes in six varieties, divided by size and coat type. The breed standard describes them as faithful, versatile and good-tempered.
Delighted owner Kim, a Kennel Club Assured Breeder, said of their win: “I have to say wow, it’s not very believable at this moment. It’s something you dream of and you don’t ever think will happen.
“It’s the goal that everyone strives for because Crufts is THE show – it really is, isn’t it? She just loves her showing, she just loves it. It’s such a joy to take her out.”
The Reserve Best in Show award was won by Frankie, the Miniature Poodle, owned and handled by Melanie Harwood, from Ramsgreave, Lancashire. It was the second time that Frankie had won the reserve title.
Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts Show Manager, said: “This has been another fantastic year for Crufts, and tonight’s final was exceptional. Congratulations to Maisie who helped end this year’s competition on a real high, taking the prestigious Best in Show award with her owner, Kim McCalmont. It has been fantastic to watch their strong relationship together in the ring and they were very deserving winners.
“Well done to all of our wonderful finalists too. The dogs and their owners and handlers should be incredibly proud to get through such a prestigious final – it really is a special achievement.
“Crufts is a British institution, but it is also adored by dog lovers all over the world and we have been so delighted to see the unique bond between these much loved dogs and their owners, across a range of competitions and activities. Thank you to everyone involved for making the show what it is today.”
