A Christchurch family are thrilled after their beloved English toy terrier scooped Best in Breed at Crufts.
Barney was picked by judges at the world’s most prestigious dog show as the perfect example of the terrier type.
Owner Kirk Dennison, who showed Barney, said: “We are absolutely thrilled and still in shock, to be honest. We didn’t expect it at all.
“It was our third time going to Crufts and he has won a few categories before, but to get Best in Breed is just amazing.”
English toy terriers are classed by the Kennel Club as a vulnerable breed, with only around 100 puppies born a year.
Kirk said: “It is one of the reasons we got Barney as they are dying out as a breed and we want to keep them going. He is, first and foremost, a family pet and is fantastic with our children.
“We only started taking him to competitions as a bit of fun in the beginning, and before Crufts he hadn’t even done very well in them!
“He only came third in a local dog show. So to take first was just wonderful.”
The show, held last weekend at the NEC Birmingham, attracts thousands of dogs from all over the UK.
Barney was bred by Zoe Phillips from Winchester who runs Ettology and was at Crufts to see Barney triumph.
Posing online alongside a photo of Barney, she said: “Huge day for the Ettology dogs at Crufts this year.
“Here is Barney Representing the ETTs in the Group and Vulnerable Breeds… he was at the show from 8am till 8pm and still performed like a superstar. He and Kirk Dennison filled my heart with joy.”
