A Clumber spaniel named Bruin has been named Best in Show at Crufts 2026, triumphing over almost 19,000 competitors at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.
Handled by his owner Lee Cox, Bruin first won the Gundog group before being crowned overall champion. Cox described the moment as «just wonderful for this breed» and called Bruin «the dog of a lifetime» after receiving the Kendall Memorial Trophy and a £200 cash prize.
Other top contenders included a Tibetan mastiff named Viking, a Pembroke Welsh corgi called Hazel, and a miniature schnauzer, Spencer. The reserve Best in Show was awarded to Meghan, a petit basset griffon vendeen from Croatia, who had won the Hound group.
Cox said Bruin was «a bit of a diva» who «likes his own way» but added that the spaniel «will never ever let me down».
The event is organised by the Royal Kennel Club. Chief executive Jannine Edgar praised Cox and Bruin for their «truly outstanding win» and highlighted their skill and connection in the ring as key to their success.
More than 18,000 canines competed for this year's title in Birmingham pic.twitter.com/tGs5LpCSBv
— The Project (@theprojecttv) March 9, 2026
Crufts 2026 saw a total of 18,698 dogs enter across all categories, an increase of 123 compared with the previous year.
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