Birmingham made history this week as six-year-old Freddie Osborne, from Bobbington, Staffordshire, won one of the youngest ever titles at Crufts, leveraging his beloved smooth fox terrier, Penny. Winning the first class veteran category at the National Exhibition Centre, the dynamic duo captivated the audience with their heartwarming performance.
Freddie's remarkable achievement not only lands him squarely in the record books but also highlights the unique bond shared between the boy and his dog. "I really enjoyed Crufts," Freddie exclaimed, beaming with pride. "Penny and I won best veteran in breed and we are so happy with our rosette. She is the best dog ever. I love walking her and she's really good." This sentiment mirrored the joy of every proud pet owner under the glittering lights of this prestigious dog show, held from March 6-9, 2025.
This year’s Crufts brought together over 200 pedigree breeds from 51 different countries, showcasing the best of the best. Freddie’s first experience with Crufts came at two weeks old; naturally, he doesn’t recall the event but has since developed a fondness for the annual celebration. Joined by his parents Kimberley and James, he enjoyed the family-centric atmosphere, raised on stories about his mother’s grandfather, who had previously owned a smooth fox terrier.
James proudly shares, "We are so proud of Freddie, he has been really dedicated to get this far but he's really enjoyed himself too, which is the most important thing. It’s also been great for our family to be able to highlight our wonderful breed, the smooth fox terrier, which is classed as one of The Kennel Club’s native vulnerable breeds.” The couple realizes the enormity of Freddie's accomplishment, not just for him but also as part of the breed's legacy.
Historically, the Smooth Fox Terrier was once part of the top ten most popular breeds across Britain, having registered nearly 3,000 puppies annually just over 100 years ago. Yet the breed's numbers have dwindled alarmingly, registering just 45 new puppies last year, representing their lowest figures on record. James reflects on the breed’s storied history, recalling connections to his childhood, saying, "My grandfather used to have a smooth fox terrier, and I remembered wondering what type of dog it was from seeing him with it on film. I always liked terriers as they were small enough to fit on my tractor seat.”
Freddie’s victory marks his third overall win for veterans, but it holds special significance being his debut at Crufts. James expresses hope for the future, stating, "I hope it’s the breed for Freddie and his brother later on. This has brought back some great family memories.”
Freddie’s victory isn’t just about winning; it’s also about awareness and passionate representation of Smooth Fox Terriers at Crufts. The dog show, established back in 1891, now significantly highlights the pressing need to preserve these native breeds, allowing families like the Osbornes to share their love for them. On day three, viewers can catch the thrilling championship awards, including the coveted Best in Show title, broadcast live on Channel 4.
Overall, Crufts remains more than just dog showing; it’s about strong connections, familial bonds, and the tireless endeavor of maintaining the legacy of beloved breeds. With Freddie leading the way alongside Penny, hope shines anew for the future of Smooth Fox Terriers.