On March 8, 2026, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham was abuzz with excitement as Bruin, a four-year-old Clumber spaniel from Somerset, made history by being crowned Best in Show at Crufts 2026. It was a momentous occasion that drew cheers from a packed arena, broadcast live to millions on Channel 4, and marked a triumphant return to the spotlight for this distinctive breed—one that hadn’t claimed the top prize since 1991.
Bruin’s journey to the winner’s podium was anything but ordinary. The show, organized by the Royal Kennel Club, welcomed 18,698 dogs from all corners of the globe, an increase of 123 entries over the previous year, according to BBC News. Over four days, canine enthusiasts, handlers, and judges watched as dogs competed across categories ranging from Working and Pastoral to Terrier, Hound, Toy, Utility, and Gundog. The competition was fierce, with finalists including Viking the Tibetan mastiff, Hazel the Welsh Corgi, Freddie the Lakeland Terrier, Spencer the Miniature Schnauzer, Dublin the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Megan the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen from Croatia.
Bruin, handled by his devoted owner Lee Cox, first secured victory in the Gundog group before clinching the coveted Best in Show title. Judge Tamas Jakkel, tasked with the difficult decision, ultimately selected Bruin out of the group winners, while the reserve title went to Megan, the four-year-old petit basset griffon vendeen who had earlier triumphed in the Hound group. Other notable contenders, such as Viking, Hazel, and Spencer, may have missed the top spot, but their presence added to the electric, international atmosphere that Crufts is famous for.
The moment Lee Cox received the rosette and trophy was one of palpable emotion. “It’s just amazing, I mean, what can I say? I can’t believe it. Thank you so much,” Cox said, his voice trembling with joy and disbelief, as reported by The Mirror and BBC News. “It’s just wonderful for this breed. You know, it’s just a… for the first time in my life, I’m speechless.” He continued, “He’s just, he’s a dog of a lifetime, he really, really is. He’s very, very special. I absolutely adore him. And he adores me.”
Bruin’s character, as described by Cox, is as endearing as his appearance. “Bit of a diva, a bit like me really, likes his own way, very chilled, but will never, ever let me down. Never lets me down,” Cox remarked to Channel 4. He even joked, “I think he wants to eat your microphone,” before adding, “he’s just wonderful.” Earlier, Cox had affectionately called Bruin “a walking cartoon character in a fluffy white coat,” a description that seemed to capture the hearts of both judges and spectators alike.
The festivities at the NEC weren’t just about competition; they were a celebration of the bond between dogs and their handlers, a theme echoed by Jannine Edgar, chief executive of the Royal Kennel Club. “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,” Edgar said. “Their connection and skill in the ring have shone throughout, making them thoroughly deserving champions. We also extend our congratulations to all the finalists. Each dog, handler and owner should feel extremely proud of reaching such an iconic final.”
Edgar went on to emphasize the global appeal of Crufts. “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. We’ve celebrated the extraordinary bond between dogs and their handlers across every competition and activity. Thank you to everyone involved for helping make Crufts the remarkable event that it is.”
This year’s event was marked by a palpable sense of camaraderie and spectacle. Claudia Winkleman, best known for hosting Strictly Come Dancing and The Traitors, took on presenting duties and had the “huge honour” of handing over the trophy to Lee Cox. “The atmosphere, when he came out. They loved all the dogs, but this one—they loved!” she exclaimed, reflecting the crowd’s enthusiasm. Amanda Holden, Britain’s Got Talent judge, attended the event for the first time and shared her impressions: “This was my first time at Crufts, and I felt a little bit overwhelmed, I’m not going to lie, because it is enormous and literally around every corner is a dog. The smell of dogs when you walk in, it’s like wet dog, but I’m down with that, I’m absolutely fine with it. I’ve been rolling on the floor with dogs, I’ve been feeding dogs, and I’ve been around there in the Discover Dogs section. I always think that people that own dogs, we’re all like-minded, and I don’t trust people that don’t like dogs.”
The scale of Crufts, the world’s largest dog show, remains unmatched. The show’s organizers reported nearly 19,000 canine participants, each vying for recognition in their respective categories. Last year’s top dog, a whippet named Miuccia from Italy, set a high bar, but Bruin’s victory was especially poignant for fans of the Clumber spaniel breed. The last time a Clumber spaniel won Best in Show was 35 years ago, making this win not just a personal triumph for Bruin and Cox but a historic moment for the breed as a whole.
For their efforts, Cox and Bruin received the Kendall Memorial Trophy, a replica of the famous prize, and a cash award of £200. More than the hardware or the money, though, it was the sense of pride and accomplishment that resonated most. As Cox put it, “He’s the dog of a lifetime. He’s really, really special.”
With the 2026 Crufts now in the record books, the event continues to inspire dog lovers of every stripe. Whether you’re a seasoned handler or just someone who enjoys a good tail wag, the spectacle at Birmingham’s NEC this year reminded everyone of the joy, dedication, and sheer unpredictability that dogs bring into our lives. And as Bruin took his victory lap, tail wagging and coat gleaming, it was clear that sometimes, the underdog really does have his day.