Thousands of dog lovers packed the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham this past week, as Crufts 2026 delivered another unforgettable chapter in the storied history of the world’s greatest dog show. Over four days, more than 18,000 dogs from around the globe competed for glory across a series of demanding competitions, culminating in Sunday night’s crowning of the coveted Best in Show.
At the heart of this year’s spectacle was Bruin, a four-year-old Clumber Spaniel from Somerset, who charmed judges and audiences alike to become the first of his breed to secure the Best in Show title since 1991. Handled by Lee Cox, Bruin’s journey to the top was anything but ordinary. After first clinching victory in the fiercely contested Gundog Group, Bruin went on to beat six other group winners in the grand finale at the bp Pulse LIVE arena on March 8, 2026.
“It’s just amazing, I mean, what can I say? I can’t believe it. Thank you so much,” Cox told The Independent in the immediate aftermath of the win, still visibly stunned. “It’s just wonderful for this breed. You know, it’s just a… for the first time in my life, I’m speechless.” He went on to describe Bruin as a “dog of a lifetime,” adding, “He’s very, very special. I absolutely adore him. And he adores me.” Cox even joked, “I think he wants to eat your microphone,” before reflecting, “He’s just wonderful.”
The Clumber Spaniel, sometimes affectionately called a “walking cartoon character in a fluffy white coat,” is officially listed as a “vulnerable native breed” by the UK Kennel Club, with fewer than 300 new registrations annually. That made Bruin’s triumph all the more poignant for enthusiasts of the breed, who hope his high-profile victory might inspire new interest and appreciation.
Judge Tamas Jakkel, who selected Bruin from the elite field, praised the spaniel’s poise and partnership with Cox. The pair’s chemistry was evident throughout the competition, as they navigated the rigors of both breed and group judging with a quiet confidence.
As the dust settled, Jannine Edgar, chief executive of the Royal Kennel Club, offered her congratulations: “Congratulations to Bruin and Lee for closing this year’s competition with a truly outstanding win and for taking home the prestigious best in show title. Their connection and skill in the ring have shone throughout, making them thoroughly deserving champions.” Edgar also extended her appreciation to all competitors, saying, “Each dog, handler and owner should feel extremely proud of reaching such an iconic final. Crufts continues to be adored by dog lovers worldwide, and it has been wonderful to welcome so many competitors from around the globe this year.”
Bruin’s victory was hardly the only headline at Crufts 2026. The Reserve Best in Show went to Megan, a four-year-old Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen from Croatia, who had earlier dazzled the judges to win the Hound Group. Other group winners included Viking, a Tibetan Mastiff (Working Group); Hazel, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi (Pastoral Group); Freddie, a Lakeland Terrier (Terrier Group); Dublin, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Toy Group); and Spencer, a Miniature Schnauzer (Utility Group). Each of these dogs showcased the very best of their breeds, with the group finals drawing raucous applause from the crowd and keen interest from viewers around the world.
Yet the show wasn’t just about the glitz of the main arena. Crufts is renowned for celebrating the diversity and skills of dogs in all walks of life. On Gundog Day, March 8, another Labrador stole the show—this time in the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) gamekeeper classes. Trieymoedd Snipes Whisper Clyde, a four-and-a-half-year-old yellow Labrador from Wales, took home the Northesk Memorial Trophy and the title of Best in Gamekeeper Classes. Owned by Harry Lewis and Amber Williams, Clyde’s win was a testament to his athleticism, temperament, and real-world working ability.
Amber Williams, beaming after the win, told BASC, “I can’t believe it. He is just brilliant, both in the shooting field and in the show ring. He just loves doing what he’s doing. He has had a fabulous season and has been out nearly every day. He has spent 60-plus days picking up, he absolutely loves it. We have had an amazing day.” The trophy was presented by BASC president The Marquess of Hamilton, who remarked, “We’ve had a fantastic day at Crufts today and crowned a truly wonderful overall winner of BASC’s gamekeeper classes. He’s a superb looking dog who really knows what he’s doing and is clearly from great stock.”
The BASC gamekeeper classes are unique in that entry is restricted to dogs that have worked regularly during the shooting season, ensuring that the competition reflects both genuine working ability and adherence to breed standards. Glynn Evans, BASC’s head of game and wildlife management, emphasized the importance of the handler-dog partnership: “What stands out is the partnership between handler and dog. That relationship, built through training and work on the shoot, is what these classes are all about.”
In another stirring upset, Amy Keirl, a 31-year-old manufacturing engineer from Newcastle, and her four-year-old black Labrador Salem defied expectations by winning first prize in the novice agility category. Traditionally dominated by Border Collies, the agility contest saw Salem—who only began training at 20 months—outpace the competition. “Everyone had written us off, we were going to show what labs can do,” Keirl told ChronicleLive. “We wanted a clear run, so when we got that we were over the moon. We had achieved our goals then, so to go on a second run and get a clear run again and come out as winners, it’s unbelievable. I’m just so proud of her.”
Salem also placed third in the jumping round, before clinching the overall agility title. She’s not just a champion on the course, either—Salem donates blood through the pet blood bank, with each donation potentially saving up to four other dogs’ lives. Another North East success story came from Sue Smith of Tow Law, whose Samoyed Kwest won Best of Breed at Crufts 2026.
First held in 1891, Crufts continues to be a celebration of the extraordinary bond between dogs and humans. From the elegance of the show ring to the grit of working and agility competitions, the event puts the spotlight on the unique talents and personalities of man’s best friend. This year’s event, broadcast on Channel 4 and More4, once again lived up to its reputation as a joyous, global gathering for dog lovers everywhere.
As the lights dimmed on the NEC and the crowds made their way home, one thing was clear: whether it was Bruin’s historic win, Clyde’s working dog triumph, or Salem’s surprise agility victory, Crufts 2026 proved that every dog—no matter their breed or background—has their day.